Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2020

Superb bouquet of exotic fruits and flowers; it has temperament, breed, and fullness, along with impressive length; it hasn’t lost any of its class.

Lovely florality with butterscotch, candied lemons, white blossom and lemon peel on the nose. Round and lively, a nice initial bounce before it becomes quite serious. High acidity with tangy citrus elements and a shot of sweet juiciness before a saline, minerality and some toasted spice elements come in. Excellent intensity of flavour – streamlined and sharp with a solid backbone and drive. 3.9pH.

Pure and clear aromas of green melon, apple, flint and stone lead to a full-bodied palate with extremely attractive fruit and vivid, energetic acidity on the finish. Lime and pineapple, but restrained and very pretty. 55% sauvignon and 45% semillon. Drinkable now, but in four or five years it will be even better.

Flowers, lemon peel, vanilla, pomelo, lemon, and Granny Smith apple aromatics fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is sweet, creamy, and fresh, with a core of bright yellow citrus and spice on the mid-palate and finish. Made from a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon, 13.8% ABV, pH 3.22. Picking took place August 20 and August 27. Drink from 2023-2045.

Light yellow-green, silver reflections. Delicate aromas of grapefruit, yellow gooseberry, green apple and fresh meadow herbs, mineral touch. Medium body, fine white tropical fruit, lively acidity, lemony-salty character, papaya finish. Elegant, already pleasurable.

Great purity, stony character with rather discreet fruit, lemongrass, lime, floral and herbal notes. The palate shows discreet power with very fine extract, finely tuned oak, elegant young fruit and a very long, bright finish.

The 2020 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc from this reference point estate is a fresher, vibrant white displaying a complex, intense style in its crushed citrus, orange pith, white flowers, and green nut-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has racy acidity, good mid-palate concentration, and flawless balance. I don't think it has the extra "je ne sais quoi" character and dimensions found in the Haut-Brion Blanc, but this is nevertheless a brilliant Pessac Blanc that will evolve for two to three decades.

Fresh, powerful, finely creamy, complex bouquet with citrus, lime cream, peach, apricot skin, mint leaves and fresh herbs. Elegant, dense, fresh palate with powerful, refined fruit, very well-integrated acidity, intense aromatics and a long, fresh finish. 19/20 2026 - 2045

Dominant Sémillon character at this stage in its life, despite having higher Sauvignon Blanc in the blend than usual, giving structure, plenty of waxed citrus peel, lime zest and white peach. A twist of noble bitterness on the finish, excellent grip and salinity. Harvested 27 August to 5 September. pH 3.27.

The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, a blend of 54.7% Sauvignon Blanc and 45.3% Semillon, slowly emerges from the glass with notes of Golden Delicious apple, juicy pears, and coriander seed, followed by underlying hints of paraffin wax, wet pebbles, and white pepper. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled, with a lively backbone and energetic apple and pear layers, finishing long with a spicy lift.

A nose of vanilla and peach blossom that extends into a hint of still-green banana peel. Lively, energetic acidity, with a finish reminiscent of peach pit.

Very beautiful intensity on the bouquet, marked by floral and fruity notes with aromas of apricots, mandarins, and linden blossoms. The wine is already quite approachable while offering good cellaring potential.

95–97. Barrel Sample. The wine's roundness comes from the ripe fruit. The warm 2020 vintage has produced a wine that is generous, poised between crisp citrus and hints of yellow fruits. The subtle use of wood aging will sustain this wine for its long-term future.