2010 La Mission Haut Brion
By Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
2010 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2010 vintage from the revered Chateau La Mission Haut Brion in Pessac-Leognan is one manifestation of vinous greatness that has gloriously risen to meet the lofty expectations laid upon its broad shoulders. The year was marked by a dry season, yet it was punctuated with timely rainfalls that spared the vines from stress, crafting a canvas for the grapes to reach their zenith of quality.
Distinction in Every Drop: The 2010 Vintage's Unique Expression
The vitality of the 2010 La Mission Haut Brion is apparent in its profound depth and structure, a concentration that foretells a longevity which could outlast even the most patient collector. A symphony for the senses, its bouquet exudes a melange of ripe dark fruits interlaced with smoky undertones — an ode to its time-honoured estate’s terroir. The intricately woven tannins display a finesse that belies their strength; a hallmark of this impeccable vintage. Taste reveals nuanced layers, from cassis to grilled herbs and graphite, each shift on the palate denotes another chapter of its story.
A Vintage Poised for Investment Reverence
As fine wine investors contemplate diversifying portfolios or acquiring stars destined for appreciation, the 2010 La Mission Haut Brion stands as a stellar candidate. Its impressive balance and the early maturity plateau suggest that while already accessible, continued patience will reward handsomely.
Captivating aficionados and connoisseurs alike, this iteration from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion reflects not just the singularity of the 2010 vintage but also the unwavering diligence of its creators. In every sense, it promises to be a cornerstone for any serious Bordeaux collection.
In sum, whether for immediate indulgence or long-term investment, the 2010 La Mission Haut Brion is an exemplar of fine winemaking, capturing the essence of its vintage and region impeccably. It remains an unequivocal triumph within Bordeaux's storied tapestry of wines.
Market price (USD)
$5,580.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
228.5
Scores and tasting notes
This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
A strong candidate for a perfect score in about 15 years, the 2010 La Mission Haut-Brion could well turn out to be a modern-day version of their 1955. Sadly (or maybe fortunately) for me, I'm not old enough to have tasted the 1955 in 1958 from bottle, but this wine could also be an update on the more modern 2000 which, of course, I know well and actually own. This full-bodied, colossal giant of a wine is one of the goliaths of the vintage. It may well have the highest level of natural alcohol for any wine from the Left Bank of Bordeaux (15.1%) and has the definite potential to be a 50- to 75-year wine. Dense purple, it offers up notes of lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur along with massive concentration, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel and a monumental finish that goes well past a minute, which I think might be a record for a young Bordeaux. Keep in mind that the 2009, which I gave three digits, came in at 14.7%, but the pH of the 2010 is lower, giving the wine a freshness and precision that is remarkable. The final blend was 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and – unlike the Chapelle de la Mission, which has 26% Cabernet Franc – there's only 1% Cabernet Franc in the 2010 La Mission Haut-Brion. This is a wine for those of you with youth on your side as well as patience. It will need a good decade of cellaring. An amazing wine. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2075+.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #205
Tasted at Chateau Haut Brion. The La Mission has a far more extrovert bouquet compared to the Haut Brion, with fresh, vibrant, gregarious scents of black cherries, mulberry, cassis and vanilla with fine delineation and warmth of alcohol that packs a punch at 15.1%. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded, supple tannins. It is far more expressive than the Haut-Brion at the moment, showing ample dark berries, dark plum and a touch of cedar. This is a powerful, burly, sensual, buxom La Mission but one has to ask, are those the characteristics you expect or desire from an estate that produced so many ethereal wines over the years? Personally I prefer the more sophisticated Haut-Brion. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013