2023 Laville Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
This has a beautiful nose of blossom, peach stone and a little hay, feeling bright and fresh. The palate is immensely charming, full of creamy citrus fruit wrapped in refreshing stony minerality. A long fresh finish is infused with a hint of grapefruit – a pleasing bitter-sweet twist. Aged in around 50% new oak, with 13.9% alcohol and 3.22pH. Blend: 65.3% Sauvignon Blanc, 35.7% Semillon
Critic scores
James Suckling
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Coming from the gravelly soils of Pessac, in the heart of Bordeaux, the 2023 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc offers gorgeous honeyed orange, crushed citrus, mint, and floral notes on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, round, deep, and rich on the palate, yet has bright, racy acidity that keeps everything balanced and lively. This is a bigger, richer style that will evolve gracefully for two decades. Drink 2026-2045.
The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is a rare vintage here in which Sauvignon Blanc takes the lead in the blend. Even so, I am deeply impressed with the wine's textural density and pure power. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, chalk and tangerine oil all build in the glass.
The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc has a more reserved bouquet compared to the Haut-Brion Blanc, those slate-like scents in situ, Granny Smith and light honeysuckle aromas coming through with time. The palate is very well balanced, lovely poise and focus, just a modicum of spice with a sense of coiled-up energy on the finish. I feel that this is a wine that, as usual, would give something special down the line.
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.