Château La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, Pessac Léognan,

This is an extremely impressive white that has high levels of Sémillon in the blend this year, helped by old vines that resisted the heat well. Gorgeous construction and balance, with precision-cut citrus, bitter almond, slate, dill, white pepper spice, a juicy grip through the palate and noble bitterness bringing things to a close. Less 1st wine than last year - 20% less first wine with the same yield; 41% new oak barrels for ageing. Harvest August 17 to 23.

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, 72% Semillon and 28% Sauvignon Blanc aging in 41.9% new oak, prances out with showy notes of orange blossoms, ripe pears, and green apples, leading to hints of elderflower and wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with bright, expressive citrus and stone fruit layers, featuring loads of minerally sparks on the long finish.

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc contains much more Sémillon (72%) this year due to its quality according to Jean-Philippe Delmas. It has a perfumed bouquet with white peach, honeysuckle, red apple and light candle wax. Superb delineation. The palate is taut and linear, chalky in texture with good tension. It shows quite impressive weight, perhaps more than the Haut-Brion Blanc with a dab of ginger enlivening the finish. Superb.