2012 La Mission Haut Brion
By Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
2012 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The complexity of any illustrious vintage is a tapestry of meteorological whimsy and viticultural fortitude; none more so than the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion. In a year marked by challenging climatic conditions and rigorous selection, this Pessac-Leognan prodigy rises with defiant grace.
A Narration of the Terroir and Time
What sets the 2012 vintage apart at Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is undoubtedly its resilience and adaptability. The fluctuating conditions of that year's growing season threw stern challenges to the vines—cool, wet periods interspersed with bursts of heat. But here lies the revelation; this wine's robust essence encapsulates the steadfast terroir of Bordeaux's left bank, whispered through layers of deeply expressed fruit and firm tannins forged in adversity.
A Rendezvous with Refinement: Investment Potential Unveiled
The term 'investment-grade wine' carries weight when one contemplates the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion. Its assured cellar potential emerges from under its taut structure, projecting a trajectory of remarkable development over time. Enveloped within are firm yet accommodating layers of smoky oak, cassis, and earthy undertones—whispers of truffle and cigar box that hint at the longevity bestowed by its undeniably superior craftsmanship.
The palate encounters an ensemble of supple dark berries dancing with refined acidity and a finish that speaks to a meticulously tended vintage. It maintains a stylish equilibrium between the gravitas one expects from Pessac-Leognan and an admirable vivacity which characterises this particular harvest at Chateau La Mission Haut Brion.
In summation, the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion dynamically articulates its story—one of elegance under pressure, yielding a wine ripe for wise investment opportunities. A sentinel of its epoch, it is a classic Bordeaux blend that affirms its place in cellars dedicated to both immediate indulgence and long-term maturation. An exquisite portrait in resilience and finesse, it remains an exuberant testament to the heralded vines from which it was born.
Market price (CAD)
$3,230.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
114.12
Scores and tasting notes
No tasting note available.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #218
This is delicate for La Mission with bright and pretty fruit with blueberries and minerals on the nose and palate. Full body, with velvety tannins and a very pretty finish. Earth and bark undertones.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
The Grand Vin was picked between 19th September until 9th October and it is a blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon raised in 75% new oak. There is no Cabernet Franc this year since it did not achieve full ripeness. This blend is actually the inverse of the 2010. It has an alluring bouquet which given the blend, has a Right Bank personality as La Mission. Hints of cedar and bay leaf emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and good structure. This is a very focused, very harmonious La Mission, very controlled with a sense of confidence on the finish that will need a couple of years to absorb the wood. It disguises the 14.9% alcohol well, perhaps more than recent vintages. This is a great success. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
The 2012 La Mission Haut-Brion, which represents 41% of the total production, is a blend of 62% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of tobacco leaf, forest floor, underbrush and red as well as black fruit aromas jump from this aromatic, seductive, open-knit La Mission. Medium to full-bodied, round, generous, lush and flattering to taste, even at this young age, it is built along the stylistic lines of the 2001 or 1999. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
Like its bigger sibling, the second wine, the 2012 La Chapelle de la Mission, was the result of a harvest that occurred between September 17 and October 9. (Keep in mind that the micro-climate of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion is essentially within a highly developed suburb of Bordeaux.)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206