2021, Château La Mission Haut-Brion Rouge, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN, Grand Cru Classé de GravesBordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Frequently the qualitative equal of sister chteau Haut Brion and in some years even better. La Mission's production levels are now smaller than ever and, more than ever, it can be seen as an 'honorary' first growth. The vineyard is planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. Plenty of classic La Mission finesse and balance, touches of cloves and velvety tannins,

it is likely to emerge as one of the vintage’s longest lived—and greatest—wines

The fermentation is conducted naturally by indigenous yeasts without temperature control lasting up to two weeks

The palate is very harmonious on the entry with pliant tannins

with black cherries

it is still "cool

but there is an excellent core of ripe fruit here

Very deep purple-black in colour

new leather

There's also been much work done in the vineyards

one in bottle

ripe and tensile

lively acids and ripe