La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion

Produced in small quantities, this second wine is a gateway to the world of Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Its name is a nod to the chapel of La Mission Haut-Brion, built by Lazarist priests in 1698.

Winemaker notes

2010: The vey deep colour of the wine is indicative of its concentration. The bouquet is very expansive, redolent of red-berry fruit. On the palate, this wine has an astonishingly imposing tannic structure for a second wine. It is also dazzlingly fresh, despite its impressive concentration.  A wine full of contrasts: 2010 produced one of the most concentrated La Chapelle, but also one of the most beguiling.

2010

Wine Advocate 93: Made of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2010 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is deep garnet colored and has opulent scents of baked raspberries, Black Forest cake and blueberry tart with hints of star anise, prunes and spice cake. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, the palate has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

James Suckling 93-94: Lovely balance of plums, berries, with hints of vanilla bean. Lemon rind too. Full and super silky with a lovely sweet fruit underneath. Balanced and refined.

Vinous 93: The 2010 La Chapelle de la Mission has a well-defined bouquet with brambly red fruit and undergrowth scents, hints of chai tea and bay leaf emerging with time. This is another Pessac-Léognan with a very pretty nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp bead of acidity. This is well balanced, lightly spiced with and ferrous, persistent finish. Excellent.

2020

Wine Advocate 93: A particularly successful effort, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis, burning embers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's layered and integrated, with a fleshy core, powdery structuring tannins and good tension.

James Suckling 96: A powerful 2020 for a second wine with blackberry, black olive and blueberry aromas and flavors. Blackcurrants as well. It’s full-bodied yet racy and structured with a long and intense finish. Give it three or four years to soften. Better after 2026.

2023

Wine Advocate 90-92: The 2023 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion offers up aromas of blueberries, cassis and dark wild berries. Medium-bodied, long and fleshy, it’s nicely integrated, with a dense core of fruit, youthfully firm tannins and a persistent finish. Deeper and more structured than usual, it will regards some patience. This is a blend of 48.3% Merlot, 39.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.3% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling 95-96: The solid center-palate and sure nature says La Mission, as it should, being the second wine of the estate. Medium body with a creamy and refined tannin structure that is long and true. Oyster-shell and blackcurrant character, as well as crushed stones. Direct. 48.3% merlot, 39.4% cabernet sauvignon and 12.3% cabernet franc.