critic reviews
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.
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 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, a blend of 54.7% Sauvignon Blanc and 45.3% Semillon, slowly emerges from the glass with notes of Golden Delicious apple, juicy pears, and coriander seed, followed by underlying hints of paraffin wax, wet pebbles, and white pepper. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled, with a lively backbone and energetic apple and pear layers, finishing long with a spicy lift.
Dominant Sémillon character at this stage in its life, despite having higher Sauvignon Blanc in the blend than usual, giving structure, plenty of waxed citrus peel, lime zest and white peach. Twist of noble bitterness on the finish, excellent grip and salinity. Harvested 27 August to 5 September. 3.27ph.