- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2016 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France
Complex, full-bodied, rich… Château La Mission Haut-Brion summons the most complimentary adjectives. The blend evolves according to the vintages but Château La Mission Haut-Brion retains its characteristics of great intensity.
Tasting note
Very intense, remarkable red-garnet color. The nose of this Mission Haut-Brion is impressive in its maturity, fruit, density and complexity. It is a concentrate of just the right maturity! The attack on the palate of this wine is generous, soft, broad. The wine builds in power without breaking, ample. The class, the sophisticated breed of tannins is evident. This Mission Haut-Brion 2016 is undoubtedly the most complete and charming made in a long time.
The climate
Despite a winter and spring marked by complicated climatic conditions – abundant rains and temperatures below seasonal averages – flowering took place with almost miraculous homogeneity. The great drought of the summer ended with a rainy spell in mid-September, very beneficial for the end of the ripening cycle. In October, no rain came to disrupt our harvests.
The cool nights, combined with the hot days, made it possible to produce wines that were rich in color but also fresh and fruity.
Paradoxes or miracles of nature? We would rather answer, the work of men and the predominance, once again, of great terroirs.
Date of harvest
From September 19 to October 4
Assembly
Merlot: 57.5%
Cabernet Sauvignon: 42.5%
New barrels
78%
Alcohol
14%