The 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion, a Bordeaux blend from the Pessac-Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France, presents itself as a remarkable wine with a mix of elegance and complexity. This red wine, produced by La Mission Haut Brion, has an alcohol content of 14.0% and is sealed with a cork.
The blend is composed of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Harvesting occurred between September 20 and October 8, with a yield of 48 hectoliters per hectare. Approximately 40% of the harvest went into the grand Vin.
Jane Anson from janeanson.com rated the wine at 97 points, calling it "gorgeous" and "a total masterclass in cool fruit delivery," and strongly recommended it as her "red wine of the vintage." She noted its striking aromatics, balance, and finesse, with touches of mint leaf, cloves, and pummice stone minerality.
Yohan Castaing of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 95 points, describing it as having a "complex, detailed bouquet of plums, cassis, flowers, spices, licorice, and loamy soil." He praised its "rich and concentrated" nature, with a "fleshy, layered core of fruit" framed by "beautifully velvety tannins."
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated it 95 points, emphasizing its richness and sweetness of fruit, though he found it "reserved, slightly austere, quiet, and discreet." He highlighted the wine's "chewy currants, leafy, fresh, green herbs, thyme, and dark chocolate" finish.
Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com gave it 94 points, noting its "black raspberries, dried flowers, tobacco, violets, and a beautiful spicy character." He found it "incredibly polished, elegant," with "fine tannins" and a "gorgeous finish."
James Suckling from jamessuckling.com rated it 96 points, mentioning its "blackcurrants and graphite aromas" and "very fine tannins and a savory finish." He noted its "subtle and open character" and described it as "so drinkable now but will improve with age."
Neal Martin from Vinous rated it 93 points, noting its "cohesive bouquet" and "firm tannins," though he found it "not a complex or deep La Mission." He appreciated its "salinity and sustain on the finish."
Roger Voss from Wine Enthusiast rated it 97 points, praising its "rich texture" and "splendidly fruity" profile. He described it as "structured while juicy and full of complex tannins," calling it a wine that "sings of fruits that are ripe while never heavy."
Overall, the 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion is highly regarded, with particular praise for its balance, complexity, and elegance.