2020 Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
You are immediately set at ease by the confidence and sheer easy appeal of this wine. A silky and seductive La Chapelle that rivals plenty of first wines in this vintage. The texture is rich and taut at first, then softens in the glass, with a charge of freshness that keeps the momentum and the energy high. Not many wines that rival the 2010 and 2016s, but here it very much does - exuberant with chocolate and cracked pepper but pulls back at the right moment. Harvests from 7th to 29th September. I love it.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A blend of 44.7% Merlot and 55.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.3%. It rolls effortlessly out of the glass with seducing notes of warm black plums, black cherry compote and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of lavender, crushed rocks and underbrush with a hint of sassafras. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played and refreshing, offering lots of soft-spoken black fruit and earthy layers with a soft texture and seamless acidity, finishing with a spicy kick.
Blackberries, some crushed stones and iodine with a sandalwood undertone. It's full and racy with firm tannins.
Full embossed bottle 1,280 g. Cask sample taken 13 April … nice and fresh! 55.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44.7% Merlot picked 7 to 29 September. Estimated alcohol 14.3%. Dark purplish crimson. Subtle, saline nose. Really gets the saliva flowing. The tannins are not the supplest – slightly sandy-textured – but the fruit is very dense and correct with real life to it. Medium weight with great balance. Racy wine with good drive – though you'll have to wait awhile for the tannins to recede.
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.