The 2022 La Mission Haut Brion, a Bordeaux blend from the Pessac Leognan region of France, has garnered significant acclaim from wine critics. This wine, produced by La Mission Haut Brion, is composed of 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot, and 5.1% Cabernet Franc. It stands out for its deep garnet-purple color and complex flavor profile.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a perfect score, calling it "pure perfection" and describing it as "seamless, pure, and layered." He praised its smoky red and black currants, leafy tobacco, and scorched earth notes, and noted its "velvety sweet tannins" and "gorgeous finish."
Antonio Galloni from Vinous also gave the wine a perfect score, describing it as "a total stunner" and an "archetype of finesse." He highlighted its vibrant red fruit, blood orange, and exotic spice notes, emphasizing its "magnificent balance" and "pure class."
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider rated it 98 points, noting its deep purple color and flavors of blackberries, black currants, and black cherries. He appreciated its "intensity, depth of flavor, concentration, and layers of fruit," with a "rich, long, vivacious, and palate-filling" finish.
Other reviewers were equally impressed. James Suckling gave it 98 points, appreciating its "great length and precision," while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate noted its "velvety attack" and "elegantly structured" mid-palate, awarding it 96+ points.
The wine's production involved aging in 62.2% new oak, and the 2022 vintage saw the lowest yields since 1991, with 50% of the harvest going into the grand vin. This Bordeaux blend, with a pH of 3.95, is poised for long-term aging and is expected to continue developing beautifully over the years.