Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 2010

La Mission Haut Brion Pessac-Léognan 2010

$1,210.00

Excl. tax

Very deep color of the wine is indicative of its concentration. Bouquet is very expansive, redolent of red-berry fruit. On the palate, an astonishingly imposing tannic structure for a second wine. Dazzlingly fresh, despite its impressive concentration.

WINEMAKER NOTES:

The striking, deep-purple color of this wine is reminiscent of a ripe aubergine. It has an intense, complex bouquet, blending hints of oak with blackcurrant, licorice, and chocolate. The nose reveals a seemingly Wendless range of aromas. On the palate, the breadth and expressivity of this wine is immediately impressive. The tannins are flavorful and its structure is poised, buoyed up by incredible freshness. To take an architectural metaphor, 2010 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion is reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. Its structure is immediately perceptible but, although it is obviously a substantial construction, it gives an impression of lightness and elegance. These contrasts make it easier to understand the challenge that faced the architects in both cases: to achieve perfect balance.

VARIETAL BREAKDOWN:

37% Merlot, 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:

100 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 La Mission Haut-Brion has a commanding, profound nose of baked blackberries, boysenberries and warm cassis plus suggestions of candied violets, red roses, chocolate box, cedar chest and smoked meats with a waft of iron ore. Full-bodied, powerful and hedonic, the palate bursts with expressive black fruits and floral sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe, grainy tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing with epic length. A real head-turner, this beauty is already very impressive, but for that full WOW experience I would give it another 3-5 years in bottle to blossom.

100 Points, James Suckling

This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020.

97 Points, Wine Spectator

Intense and engaging. Despite showing lots of heft and tarry grip, the singed apple wood and alder notes are well-defined in this red, accentuating a core of roasted fig, blackberry coulis and macerated red and black currant fruit. The long, bramble-edged finish sports showy ganache and Lapsang souchong tea notes, while the structure refuses to yield until everything has finally played out. Muscular and vivacious. Best from 2019 through 2040.

97 Points, Wine Enthusiast

A beautifully dense, ripe wine, its intense acidity balanced by an opulent structure and gorgeous fruits. The texture is smooth and velvety, while never losing sight of the powerful structure. This elegant and powerful wine will age for many years.

100 Point Wines / 2010 bordeaux / bordeaux / bordeaux blend / Chateau Haut Brion / France / french red / haut-brion / La Mission Haut Brion / pessac-leognan / still