Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2023

Addictive, deep, spicy, nutty, with hints of hay; juicy, dense, highly concentrated yet feather-light, creamy texture, long-lasting, spicy, ripe-fruited finish. Warm in the fruit, cool in expression.

Waxy lemons, white peach, pineapple, and green apples come through in this vibrant, juicy, crisp wine, which balances its juicy yellow citrus with its sweetness. The wine is made from a blend of 65.3% Semillon and 34.7% Sauvignon Blanc; picking took place August 24, finishing September 5. The length of harvest is extraordinary, considering there are only 3.5 hectares of vines. 13.9% ABV, 3.3 pH. Drink from 2026–2040. 96–96 pts.

Pale yellow-green, silver highlights. Delicate nuances of white apple fruit, a hint of grapefruit, delicate hay flowers, very restrained bouquet. Juicy, elegant, white peach, mineral, a hint of white nougat underneath, remains persistent, an elegant food wine, good ageing potential, already well developed.

65.3% Sauvignon Blanc, 34.7% Sémillon. Delicate bouquet with fragrant grapefruit and mandarin zest, followed by primrose and lemongrass. On the slender palate, a supportive minerality is paired with filigree verve and a finely peppery extract. The focused, finely aromatic finish shows citrus, white pepper, and kumquat peel.

Zesty, focused, bright and vivid, white flowers, gorgeous texture and aromatics, it pulls you forward across the palate, structured and with great ageing potential. Delicious vintage for this wine. 40% new oak. Harvest from August 21 through September 5 for the 2.5ha of white wines. A test with shade cloths to mitigate heat spikes is underway at the estate; it will be fascinating to watch the progress.

Score: 93–95. The bouquet sparkles like sunlight on a rippling water surface, releasing notes of lemon zest, sage, and white peach for a complex, rich effect. Full-bodied and generous on the palate, with multilayered aromas, it finishes on a sweet-and-sour candy note that seems endless.

Delicate and deep, the bouquet first reveals freshness and undeniable complexity with floral, spicy, and fruity nuances. Compact, the wine has body and character. Its acidity provides freshness, along with fine bitters that enhance the aromatic expression on the finish. A mouth-watering and subtle wine to enjoy with a meal.

94-96. Barrel Sample. The wine has a lightly herbal aroma with impressive dense white fruits and a firmly textured character. The intense acidity shoots through this impressive wine that has a great potential.