2020 La Mission Haut Brion Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc has a very pretty, finely delineated bouquet with notes of white peach and lemon verbena and later, a hint of chamomile. The palate is fresh and defined with good weight and salinity. It’s not amazingly complex on the finish, though that is partially compensated by its vigor. Like the Haut-Brion Blanc, this is far below what I would have expected. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc opens in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, lemongrass, crisp stone fruits and wet stones framed by a touch of youthful reduction. Medium to full-bodied, layered and racy, with chalky structure and a mouthwatering finish, it was bottled under Diam 30.
The 2020 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc from this reference point estate is a fresher, vibrant white displaying a complex, intense style in its crushed citrus, orange pith, white flowers, and green nut-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has racy acidity, good mid-palate concentration, and flawless balance. I don't think it has the extra "je ne sais quoi" character and dimensions found in the Haut-Brion Blanc, but this is nevertheless a brilliant Pessac Blanc that will evolve for two to three decades.
The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc has a complex and engaging bouquet with Granny Smiths and Conference pear, wet limestone, a subtle petrichor scent that I did not notice from barrel. The palate is very well balanced with admirable weight and just a tad more acidic "bite" compared to its showing en primeur. Hints of lemongrass add more spiciness and vivacity towards the finish that feels persistent in the mouth. This is very impressive and I can foresee a long future ahead. Dare I say that this has passed Haut-Brion Blanc in its slipstream during its élevage? Indeed, I do.
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.