Wine information:
Château La Mission Haut-Brion’s tasting notes: "The color is dense and slightly matured. The nose is powerful and rich (very La Mission) with a complexity that is classic for this wine. The scents of blackcurrant, cedar wood, purple ink, plus a trace of leather are all there. The volume of the tannin has a tendency to overwhelm the fruit in the mouth. This tannin is taut, still strong and powerful. Bit by bit the silkiness of the wine emerges, dominating the end of the tasting. Its finale is very long. It has splendid structure. A magnificent bottle that is very typical of La Mission. To taste rather between now and 2030." The plantings consist of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon 42.7% Merlot and 10.3% Cabernet Franc.
"Iodine aromas, with tobacco, cedar and sea shells, and earth and ripe fruit underneath. Full-bodied, with slightly chewy tannins and a vanilla, berry and cherry aftertaste. Big and powerful still. I would give it a little more time to mellow. But an impressive wine for the vintage.88/98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2010." 94 Points James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009