The 2008 La Mission Haut Brion is a Bordeaux blend red wine from the Pessac Leognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This wine, with its remarkable dark color, is a testament to the quality and concentration of flavors it possesses. On the nose, one can detect enticing aromas of dried rose petal, tobacco, and granite. These aromas set the stage for the sensory experience that awaits.
Upon tasting, the 2008 La Mission Haut Brion showcases a big entry of rich, round tannins that envelop the palate. The wine is intensely concentrated and deep, with flavors that linger long after each sip. It is a wine that demands attention and captivates with its complexity and depth.
Notable wine critics have praised the 2008 La Mission Haut Brion for its exceptional quality. David Derby from JJ Buckley awarded it a score of 95, describing it as intensely concentrated and deep. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded it a score of 95, calling it a "great bargain" and praising its balance of tannin, acidity, and extract.
James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, gave it a score of 93 and described it as fascinating, with aromas of crushed berries, plums, sweet tobacco, and stones. Wine Enthusiast also awarded it a score of 95, calling it a powerhouse of flavors with a wonderful combination of velvet texture and dry structure.
The 2008 La Mission Haut Brion has shown remarkable aging potential, with critics suggesting it will benefit from another 5-7 years of cellaring. Neal Martin from Vinous awarded it a score of 96, praising its open, lively bouquet and its fresh and complex palate.
Overall, the 2008 La Mission Haut Brion is a wine of exceptional quality and character. It showcases the best of Bordeaux, with its concentration of flavors, balanced structure, and impressive aging potential. It is a wine that will undoubtedly impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.