2015 Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Intense summer warmth challenged vines, but La Mission's deep gravel-clay soils provided perfect water balance through heat spikes. The estate's ancient parcels and strategic Graves position preserved freshness despite intense temperatures. The wine reveals profound smoke notes, black fruit intensity, and the mineral tension that marks this historic site.

September rains complicated the harvest timing at La Mission, yet the estate's renowned gravel soils provided crucial drainage during the wet period. The old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the Haut-Brion plateau demonstrated their ability to withstand difficult conditions. The wine reflects the vintage's lean character, showing classic Graves tobacco and earth notes with moderate concentration and an elegant structure.

The 2015 growing season at La Mission Haut-Brion was characterized by a warm, dry summer followed by ideal conditions during harvest. These factors led to perfect ripeness in both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in grapes with exceptional concentration and balance. The 2015 La Mission Haut-Brion captures the essence of this stellar vintage, showcasing both power and elegance.

A cooler and wetter 2017 vintage produced fresh, elegant wines with moderate alcohol. The double magnum format preserves structure and enhances the wine’s evolution, allowing for graceful aging over time.

The 2018 growing season at La Mission Haut-Brion was characterized by a rainy spring followed by a long, hot, and dry summer, creating conditions for optimal ripeness. Despite the challenges of mildew pressure early in the season, meticulous vineyard management and ideal weather during harvest resulted in grapes of exceptional quality. The 2018 La Mission Haut-Brion reflects this unique vintage, combining intensity with finesse in a truly remarkable expression.

The 2019 growing season at La Mission Haut-Brion saw a mix of challenges and favorable conditions, with a rainy spring followed by a hot, dry summer. Timely rains in September refreshed the vines, allowing for optimal ripening and harvest under ideal conditions. The resulting wine showcases the vintage's hallmark freshness and concentration, with La Mission Haut-Brion's signature power and finesse.

Early summer heat in Pessac-Léognan accelerated ripening across La Mission's historic gravelly slopes. The estate's ancient vines, deeply rooted in the complex gravel-clay subsoils, maintained crucial balance through intense drought conditions. The wine captures both power and precision, showing the concentrated dark fruits and smoky mineral notes that define this noble terroir.

Early frost impact was followed by difficult conditions through July, yet the vineyard's elevated gravel croupe provided crucial drainage during late summer rains. The estate's unique microclimate helped extend the growing season through October. The final blend shows impressive concentration with crushed rock minerality and La Mission's characteristic smoky complexity despite the challenging year.