La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion 2015

La Mission Haut-Brion is considered by Robert Parker to be one of the best wines from Pessac-Léognan in terms of quality and consistency.  It would be impossible to discuss this producer without touching briefly upon its neighbor across the street, the esteemed First Growth Château Haut-Brion.  Though there used to be a bit of rivalry between these two illustrious estates, the tension has cooled down throughout the ages, and both are recognized as incredible expressions of Pessac-Léognan terroir within their own right. La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is the Second Wine of this estate, and the perfect opportunity for oenophiles to discover the richly dense, muscular and tannic wines Château La Mission Haut-Brion produces. 

Château La Mission Haut-Brion has a long history that dates to the 16th Century.  The property was purchased by Jean de Pontac in 1533.  Jean de Pontac was a well-known figure in the wine industry, owning some of the best estates in Bordeaux.  He would later go on to own Château Haut-Brion as well.  In 1607 the property changed hands to Olive de Lestonnac, a young widow who would manage the property.  Eventually, she gave the property to the Congregate of the Mission, and that is when the estate received its moniker, “La Mission Haut-Brion.”  A chapel was built in the vineyards, and it was known as Notre Dame de La Mission.  The estate remained in the hands of the Roman Church until it was possessed by the French Government during the French Revolution. It was subsequently sold at public auction to the Chiapelle family who ended up managing Cos d’Estournel.  

During the time of the 1855 Classification, La Mission Haut-Brion was selling wine priced similarly - if not more expensive - than the Second Growths in Bordeaux.  The estate was not classified during 1855 and Château Haut-Brion was the only property within the Graves region with that privilege.  This would change when Château La Mission Haut-Brion was classified during the Graves Classification in 1953.  The estate changed hands numerous times until it was acquired by Domaine Clarence Dillon, the owners of Château Haut-Brion.  Once Domaine Clarence Dillon took over operations of the estate, a massive renovation was completed.  The Second Wine was initially named Château La Tour Haut-Brion, but that was to change in 2006 when it received its current moniker – La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion.

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is situated on a deep gravel bed, which is typical of the region.  Here, a diverse array of plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon thrive in the soils with excellent drainage. La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is vinified the same way as the grand vin of La Mission Haut-Brion.  The grapes are grown in the same plots and tended to with the same level of diligence.  Though the grand vin may require more bottle-ageing prior to being enjoyed, La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is accessible and considered an endearing wine by many connoisseurs. 

"The 2015 La Mission Haut Brion is a blend of 58% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 9 September and 1 October. Matured in 78% new oak, it has an incredibly pure bouquet with intense blueberry, blackberry, iodine and cold stone aromas that soar from the glass. There is nothing holding back here - a La Mission with real exuberance. The palate is medium-bodied with incredible intensity in the mouth, but without any leaden weight. It is a startling La Mission Haut-Brion to behold at this early stage. It is one of those wines where as a professional critic, I had to adopt a poker face to hide the untrammeled joy this nascent wine imparts. Complete and profound, the 2015 will rank as one of the great modern-day classics from this grand estate, another to add to that long list of magical La Missions." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (4/27/2016, Issue 224), Ratings: 97-99, Drink: 2030-2070