La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2019 is the second wine of Château La Mission Haut-Brion, a Cru Classé de Graves in Pessac-Léognan. In 2019 it was made from 50.1% Merlot, 45.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.4% Cabernet Franc (Decanter and the estate’s technical details). Alcohol is 14.5%, and the wine was aged with a modest share of new oak—28.1% new barrels. The estate notes harvest ran from September 11 to October 2, and bottling took place May 12–14, 2021.

Stylistically, reviewers consistently describe a polished, serious “second wine” that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Jeb Dunnuck delivers one of the vintage’s standout endorsements at 96 points, calling it “a stunning Pessac in its own right,” with “classic La Mission sexiness and opulence,” and notes of “sweet red and black currants, tobacco leaf, exotic spice, acacia flowers, and lead pencil.” Wine Enthusiast matches the enthusiasm with 95 points, emphasizing substance: “dense with layers of black fruits… powered… with fine potential.”

Aromatic detail is a theme. James Suckling (95 points) highlights lift and perfume—“violets and essence of raspberries”—and praises tannins that are “totally integrated… tight and poised.” Decanter (93 points) finds “bramble berries, fresh blackcurrants and black cherries” plus “savoury truffle,” and underscores the feel of the wine: “brilliantly textured tannins… so soft and charming.”

The wine also shows the Graves signature of smoke and savory nuance. Jeff Leve (93) notes “smoky red fruits, spice, licorice, cocoa,” while Wine Spectator (92) points to “cassis and raspberry pâte de fruit” with “an alluring hint of wood smoke.” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (92+), via William Kelley, describes it as “deep and concentrated, with lively acids,” and “a more tightly wound profile.” Several critics suggest patience; Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 92) advises giving it “a few years in bottle to come around fully.” Drinking windows generally center on the mid-2020s into the 2030s.