La Chapelle de La Mission 2023

Expressive, clear fruit, floral notes; crisp on the palate, remarkably fine-grained, elegant, perfectly judged tannins, crisp fruit—your senses are already rejoicing. A delicacy. Will be enjoyable early.

Milk chocolate, blackcurrant and bramble fruit on the nose, gorgeous scents. Ripe and plummy, juicy and so bright, lovely clarity but such precision, really well defined, tension is there and there are edges to the tannins but there is also such good movement. Not plump at all, great clarity with freshness and lift. Lovely sculpting, not muscular but there’s weight and depth here. And I love the fleshy tannins just giving a bit of crushed velvet texture to the palate. Bright, balanced, vibrant, and long too. Soft and lush. 3.8pH.

Cigar box, smoke, currants, and dark red pit fruits show with ease. On the palate, the wine is dark in fruit, with the essence of tobacco, black currants, spice, and chalk, with a chewy, lifted finish. Enjoy it while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 48% Merlot, 39.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12.3% Cabernet Franc, 14.3% ABV. 3.7 pH. Drink from 2025-2040. 91-93 pts.

Ruby red, fine tannic structure with fresh acidities from the start, blueberry, redcurrant, orange zest, crushed rose petals and violet. A relatively serious La Chapelle, compared to the seductive 2022 but great quality. 55hl/ha yield, after so many difficult years of yields (32hl/ha in 2022 for example, and even lower in 2025). 21% new oak for ageing.

Clarity and precision define La Chapelle’s bouquet from the very first aromas, with a beautiful harmony of floral, fruity and mineral notes. Carried by an airy texture, the wine stands out for its finesse and velvety feel. The tannins work quietly in the background, providing an excellent backbone, while the acidity is both structuring and refreshing. A pleasant, inviting wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth. For now, it simply needs a little rest in the cellar.

93-95. Barrel Sample. Black fruit aromas, rich tannins and structure give this wine an initial firmness. But at the same time, it already has a smooth texture that goes with the black fruits and acidity. The wine will certainly age well.

Dark, intense, vivid color. Very aromatic nose, refined, pure and fruity. A hint of vanilla when the glass is swirled. Soft on the attack, very flavorful on the mid-palate, with a rich, silky texture and a slightly warm touch; the wine melts on the palate with present but well-integrated, above all tasty tannins. Good length.