Château La Mission Haut Brion, Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan, 2004
A high proportion of Merlot this year (55%), with 42% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Vibrant deep purple appearance, almost opaque. Reserved on the nose, but fruit is fresh and pure, with gravelly, minerally overtones. Very succulent on the palate, with visible concentration and peppery hints. Medium weight, delicately oaked and very stylish.
critic reviews
The 2004 La Mission Haut-Brion has a lovely nose with blackberry, scorched earth, sage and light truffle scents, with a touch of antique mahogany bureau. There's fine delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with "thick" tannins that exert a fine grip. The 2004 is spicy with black pepper and light truffle notes. There's just a little austerity on the finish, but it complements this La Mission rather than detracts. Very fine, though much more austere than the Haut-Brion.
While La Mission Haut-Brions 2004 is not one of this estates top successes, it is an outstanding wine, no doubt because of this extraordinary terroir. Deep ruby/purple with notes of lead pencil shavings intermixed with black cherries, cassis, and a hint of scorched earth, medium body, sweet tannin, and a good, but uninspiring finish, this attractive, mid-weight La Mission should age nicely for 15 or more years.