2022 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion

Located across the road from sister property Chateau Haut-Brion, the 26 hectare vineyard of Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion is not only equally as accomplished today, it often bests the First Growth wine. In fact if the classification of Bordeaux happened again today you would expect La Mission to be included as a First Growth, such is the quality and consistency of the wines.

The deep gravel and clay vineyard is planted to 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc for the red wine, and 62% Semillon, 38% Sauvignon Blanc for the white. Often seen as a more robust and structured wine than Haut-Brion, La Mission is no less concentrated and complex, and can be extremely long lived.

Other Reviews...
Less muscular and more approachable than it appeared en primeur, the 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion has turned out beautifully in bottle. Unfurling with aromas of spices, smoke, dark berries, pencil lead and licorice mingled with delicate floral top-notes, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated with a velvety attack that segues into an elegantly structured and energetic mid-palate that's nicely framed by sweet but abundant tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating and perfumed finish. It's a blend of 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot and 5.1% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2032-2052.
96+ points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is a total stunner, just as it was en primeur. An archetype of finesse. Dark and explosive, with no hard edges, the 2022 is captivating right out of the gate. Vibrant red fruit, blood orange, new leather and exotic spice notes are all beautifully alive in the glass. The 2022 is seamless and resonant, with magnificent balance and tons of pure class. I would be thrilled to own it. In a word: dazzling. Drink 2032-2062.
100 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Showing blackcurrants, crushed stones and flint undertones, this is full-bodied and very tight with great length and precision, both refined and rather timid at this stage. The strong tannins come out at the end, muscular and beautifully formed, giving tension and power. This needs lots of time to soften. Best after 2030.
98 points
James Suckling

As to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection, and it's as seamless, pure, and layered as they come, while still bringing incredible intensity and richness. Smoky red and black currants, leafy tobacco, scorched earth, as well as a hint of violets, all define this incredible wine, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, velvety sweet tannins, moderate acidity, and a gorgeous finish. I love this sexy, opulent, straight-up heavenly wine today, yet it can be drunk with incredible pleasure any time over the coming 50+ years. Reminding me of the 2009 and an undeniable candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2022 hit a solid 14% alcohol with a lofty pH of 3.95. Drink 2033-2083.
100 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Wonderful aromatics on the nose - chocolate, tobacco, blackcurrants, figs and strawberries. Clean and crystalline, such a lovely texture to the wine - beautifully refined, the tannins super fine but coating the palate in a layer of chalky powder and leaving a fine mineral grip on the tongue. Well constructed, certainly not plush or heavy, this is straight and streamlined, svelte but with power running underneath and the muscles flexing towards the finish giving a flash of heat and grippy spice. There's tension but it comes across as more energetic than making the wine feel compact. I love the salty, crushed stone and graphite touch on the finish. Nothing is out of place. Very much like its Primeurs sample. 3.95pH. 62% new oak. Drink 2030-2052.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter

This incredible wine has truly blossomed since I tasted it in barrel, exceeding expectations. It starts with an inky, deep black and purple color. The fruits are just as dark and rich. They deliver endless waves of smoky black and dark red fruits that coat every part of your palate. The over 60-second finish is smooth, intense, and lengthy, with otherworldly concentration that still feels effortless to enjoy. The final note is rich, long, lively, and mouth-coating. This is a future legend in the making! The wine is a blend of 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot, and 5.1% Cabernet Franc. Best enjoyed from 2030 to 2065.
100 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider