Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1999

Characteristics and tasting notes for Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1999

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a deep red to dark ruby hue, remarkably bright, with highlights that reveal a particularly graceful evolution.

Nose
Particularly expressive and beautifully intense, the bouquet reveals aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry and cherry. These are intertwined with subtle notes of leather, fresh tobacco, sandalwood and rose petals, all underpinned by a deeply mineral backbone and a hint of white pepper.

Palate
Rich and dense, the palate offers a juicy texture carried by dark berry flavours. The balance is remarkable, supported by exceptionally fine tannins and lovely fresh acidity. The long, pure finish stands out for its delicate saline touch.

Food and wine pairing

This great red wine pairs beautifully with roast or grilled red meats, such as rack of lamb or duck breast. It also enhances game dishes, as well as aged hard cheeses such as mature Comté or Beaufort.

Serving and cellaring

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1999 is currently at its drinking plateau. It can be enjoyed now and will continue to develop optimally until around 2045.

The intensity and richness of a great Pessac-Léognan wine

The estate

Founded in 1935 by American financier Clarence Dillon, the family company Domaine Clarence Dillon is a leading name in Bordeaux. Now headed by his great-grandson, Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the company watches over exceptional terroirs. In 1983, the group, already the owner of the illustrious Château Haut-Brion, acquired the neighbouring estate, Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Sharing a closely intertwined history and a philosophy of excellence, these estates represent the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking, combining a unique historical heritage with a resolutely forward-looking vision.

The vineyard

Located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the vineyard covers 29 hectares, 25 of which are planted with red grape varieties. The vines, oriented north to south, enjoy optimal sun exposure and grow on a magnificent terrace of deep quartz gravel, over a subsoil combining clay, sand and limestone. High planting density promotes concentration in the grapes. The estate favours a soil-friendly approach, maintaining cover crops and limiting mechanical intervention to encourage deep rooting.

The vintage

Often regarded as an underrated vintage, 1999 enjoyed generally favourable, if at times uneven, weather conditions. Thanks to the natural earliness of its terroir, the estate was able to begin harvesting its Merlot as early as the end of August. This early start made it possible to pick berries at optimal ripeness while avoiding the rains of late September.

Vinification and ageing

The making of Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1999 receives meticulous attention. Following precise vinification, the wine is aged for around 18 months in French oak barrels, 70 to 75% of them new, giving the wine its structure and complexity.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.