Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2009

The vineyard of Château La Mission Haut-Brion owes its name and its historic reputation to the Congregation of the Mission, or “Lazarists,” founded in the 17th century by Saint Vincent de Paul. These vines, planted as early as the Middle Ages, were bequeathed to them by the heirs of Madame Olive de Lestonnac. The Good Fathers developed and enhanced the estate with great care, and within less than a century, they created one of the greatest wines of the region. In the 19th century, a family from Louisiana, the Chiapella, continued the work of the missionaries, and the Mission became known worldwide. The jury of the 1862 London World’s Fair, making a very accurate assessment of the wines from Château La Mission Haut-Brion, awarded them the Gold Medal. Between 1919 and 1983, the Woltner family further enhanced the reputation of the estate. La Mission Haut-Brion is currently one of the flagship estates of Domaine Clarence Dillon, which has completely renovated the château and built high-tech facilities. Before entering the Chai, a true “cathedral of wine,” visitors are now welcomed in a cloister near the small chapel of Notre-Dame d’Aubrion, built at the end of the 17th century.

Many people today consider Château La Mission Haut-Brion to be a sixth Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855. 

A bewitching wine, from beginning to end of the tasting experience! The colour is very deep and the nose is intense, with plenty of character. This rich and utterly delicious wine spreads out beautifully on the palate. The tannin is smooth and sweet. 2009 Château La Mission Haut-Brion inevitably reminds tasters of one of this estate’s finest successes: the 2000 vintage. The concentration, class, and balance between power and freshness are the hallmarks of both 2000 and 2009. However, 2009 has greater concentration, as well as another dimension and even stronger sensations. 2009 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is already mythical. 

"The deep garnet colored 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion absolutely sings of warm red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, liquid licorice, sassafras and espresso with hint of lilacs, pencil shavings and truffles. Full-bodied, rich, bold and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the palate is completely packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing epically long. Wow!" - 100 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion has a wonderful, extravagant bouquet with a slight medicinal note (not apparent on the bottle poured blind the following week) infusing the precocious red fruit, all beautifully defined with star anise and bayleaf developing. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well judged acidity, precocious in style with a long finish that maintains that medicinal leitmotif. Wonderful. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting." - 97 Points, Vinous

Producer: Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Appellation: Pessac-Léognan

Vintage: 2009

Size: 750ml