The 2017 La Mission Haut Brion is a Bordeaux Blend that hails from the esteemed Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine showcases a deep garnet-purple color, enticingly inviting the senses to explore its complex aromas and flavors.
On the nose, this wine reveals crushed berry, sandalwood, stone, and cement notes. These scents intertwine harmoniously, creating an intriguing bouquet that captivates the attention. On the palate, the 2017 La Mission Haut Brion delivers a full-bodied experience with remarkable tightness and compactness. The wine's excellent depth and intensity leave a lasting impression, showcasing its extraordinary craftsmanship. Despite its closed and austere nature, there is a beautiful energy and levity that adds a sense of vibrancy to the wine.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this vintage an impressive score of 97 points. In his tasting note, he emphasizes the wine's solid structure and its potential for aging, recommending enjoying it after 2025. Jeb Dunnuck also praises this wine, awarding it 94 points. He highlights its beautifully round and textured style, which is uncommon for the vintage. Classic notes of unsmoked tobacco, incense, spiced currants, and chocolate further enhance the wine's appeal.
Vinous, another reputable publication, grants the 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion a score of 96 points. They describe it as a positively stunning wine, exuding class and striking freshness. The wine displays a nuanced profile of rose petal, mint, blood orange, red cherry, pomegranate, and mocha flavors. Antonio Galloni, the critic from Vinous, considers this vintage to be effortless, gracious, and wonderfully nuanced.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also commends this wine, giving it a score of 96+. They note the wine's deep garnet-purple color and its incredible intensity. With fantastic mineral layers and a rock-solid line of firm, grainy tannins, this wine exhibits great energy and a long finish.
The 2017 La Mission Haut Brion has also received accolades from Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, and Wine Spectator. These publications praise its rich and structured character, bold tannins, generous blackberry flavors, and its potential for aging.
Overall, the 2017 La Mission Haut Brion is an exceptional wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of Bordeaux. With its tight and solid structure, intense flavors, and remarkable aging potential, this wine is a true gem from the Pessac Leognan region.