The 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned producer La Mission Haut Brion, located in the Pessac-Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This wine is primarily composed of 53% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc, featuring a cork closure and an alcohol content of 14.5%. This red wine has garnered significant acclaim from various professional reviewers.
William Kelley from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine an exceptional score of 99, describing it as "rich and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and fine, powdery tannins." Kelley also noted its "aromas of inky berry fruit, wild plums, and cherries mingled with warm spices, burning embers, and creamy new oak."
James Suckling, who rated the wine 98, highlighted its complex bouquet, stating, "Blackcurrants and crushed stones with violets and roses. Earthy and black truffle notes, too." He emphasized its "firm, silky tannins that are layered and attractive," and suggested it would be best enjoyed after 2025.
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com also gave the wine a score of 98, noting its "deep, dark, rich hue" and "layers of black currants, black plums, tar, herbs, cigar box, and tobacco accents." He praised its balance of "power with precision, purity, freshness, length, and complexity," and recommended cellaring until at least 2036 for optimal enjoyment.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine a perfect score of 100, describing it as "rich, exuberant, and straight up sexy on the palate," with "ripe, sexy black cherry and redcurrant fruits as well as licorice, scorched earth, cedar pencil, and graphite aromas and flavors." Dunnuck noted its "deep, layered mid-palate, building tannins, and a heavenly finish."
Other notable reviews include a 97 from Decanter, praising its "wonderful sweet fruit and floral aromatics" and "cooling menthol, mouthwatering freshness," and a 99 from Jane Anson, who highlighted its "nuanced, complex mix of cassis, blackberry, and black cherry fruits" and "gorgeous juicy freshness."
Overall, the 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion is a highly celebrated wine, praised for its complexity, balance, and aging potential. It is recommended to be enjoyed after several years of cellaring to fully appreciate its depth and character.