2009 La Mission Haut Brion
By Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
2009 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
As one traverses the illustrious tapestry of Bordeaux vintages, the 2009 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion glistens as a standout beacon of excellence. Distinct amongst its peers, this vintage is a testament to the deft hands that nurtured these vines through a particularly generous season.
Velvet Elegance: A Vintage Defined
The 2009 vintage was graced with optimal growing conditions, a symphony of warm days and cool nights which bestowed this expression with a balance of ripeness and poise. The result is a redolent portfolio of dense, dark fruit aromas intertwined with hints of earth and licorice. Its tannins, magnificently refined, speak of an age-worthy structure that has evolved with grace in the lap of time. To converse with such a wine is to engage with the wisdom of its terroir.
An Investment in Hedonistic Harmony
In the world of fine wine investment, certain vintages offer up more than just spirits; they present manuscripts of history captured within their cellars. The 2009 La Mission Haut Brion is one such chronicle. It presents collectors and connoisseurs alike with an opportunity to hold an era in their hands – a year when Earth conspired to create something extraordinary in Pessac-Leognan.
To sip from the chalice of this laudable blend is to revel in a wine that envelops one's palate with a velvety cascade, offering dark cherries, plums, and a trace of smoky spice before encompassing the senses with its long, profoundly satisfying finish.
In summary, the 2009 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion captures an auspicious moment in winemaking – where climate and craft collide in delectable unity. Its investment appeal is equal to its gustatory allure, appealing to those who seek not only return but also the rapture of flavor that can only emerge from a true vinous paradigm.
Market price (SGD)
$8,917.40
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
267.1
Scores and tasting notes
The 2009 was not part of this vertical tasting, so I am repeating the tasting note published in issue #199 of The Wine Advocate from a tasting done in January, 2012.
A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine's remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine's unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years. The final blend was 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #199
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The La Mission Haut-Brion ‘09 has an opulent bouquet, a lot of glycerine - opulent and sensual. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins. Good concentration here with fine depth, a lot of sweet black spicy fruit with a tingling, umami like pepperiness towards the rounded, generous finish. This is voluptuous and irresistible. Tasted January 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013
Fascinating aromas of crushed berry, plums, sweet tobacco and stones. Full bodied, with chewy and velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is very structured and rich with a bright and tangy acidity. Needs time to come together, obviously. Try after 2015.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010