Tightly wound, with a good chalky vibrancy and taut red currant, damson plum and bitter cherry notes that show ample length. 

An impressive wood- and tannin-laden wine, with intense, solid fruit. It’s powerful, very dry and complex.

The small production (4,150 cases) of 2011 La Mission-Haut-Brion displays the nobility and complexity of this great terroir. Burning embers, scorched earth, blueberry, black currant, licorice and spice aromas jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. With full body (atypical for a 2011), but no hard edges, this opulent, multidimensional, fleshy, rich, stunningly long, well-balanced La Mission is another great achievement in what has been nearly a century of producing remarkable wines from this hallowed vineyard. The long 2011 should be reasonably mature in another 4-6 years, and last for two decades. It will always be a revelation in a vintage that is unlikely to receive a lot of exciting press. The final blend was 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc.

Bright, dark ruby-red. Enticing aromas of strawberry, blackcurrant and white pepper, with a strong mineral overlay. Dense and rich but also juicy, with pure mineral and dark berry flavors and a delicately peppery element. The finish is pure and long. This La Mission seems almost too open today, but there's plenty of structure to support its fruit and acidity. Another classic vintage for this property.

Planted to 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, 2nd Growth La Mission Haut-Brion is a historic estate founded in the 17th century, as well as being the long-time rival of first growth Haut-Brion, which is located across the street. Parker raves, 'What is evident is that La Mission Haut-Brion is a wine of first-growth quality. This is a great estate producing large-scaled, dense reds that represent the quintessential, full-bodied, scorched-earth Graves style. Moreover, the wines possess legendary aging potential. It is unquestionably one of the world's most singular and distinctive wines. In essence, life is too short not to drink La Mission Haut-Brion.'