La Chapelle de La Mission 2019

The structure and freshness of a rare great red wine from Graves

The estate

A neighbour of the legendary Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion is one of the most iconic references of Bordeaux and has been for centuries. Founded in the 16th century by the Lestonnac family, the property was then operated by the Lazarist priests. Now a property of the Domaine Clarence Dillon and Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Château La Mission Haut-Brion continues to shine among the greatest wines in the world.

The wine

A rare wine produced in very limited quantities, La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is the Second Wine of the property. This exclusive wine is a superb introduction to the Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion style. La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion takes its name from the Lazarist priests of the Mission who have cultivated the vine on the estate since the 18th century.

The vineyard

Situated in the municipalities of Talence and Pessac, Château la Mission Haut-Brion is classified in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The vineyard of Château La Mission Haut-Brion covers 29 hectares of vines, 25 of which are dedicated to red grape varieties and 4 to white grape varieties. The vineyards of Château de La Mission Haut-Brion are planted in beautiful gravelly soils upon a subsoil of clay, sand, limestone and faluns (a shell limestone).

The vintage

Combining cool days and significant heat, 2019 was a vintage of major climatic contrasts. The summer brought several heatwaves which did not, however, lead to water stress in the vines or blockage of the ripening process. The rain in September made it possible to perfect the ripening of each grape variety. The harvest began on August 29 for the whites and on September 10 for the reds.

The blend

Merlot (50,1%), cabernet franc (4,1%), cabernet sauvignon (45,5%).

The tasting

Tasted en primeur, the La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion 2019 from Château La Mission Haut-Brion charms the eyes with its intense red colour. Fruity and intense, the nose reveals beautiful notes of ripe fruit. Aeration reveals notes of cherry and blackberry, further enhanced with woody notes. On the palate, the charming fruit of Merlot coats the palate with its fleshy texture. Gradually, the powerful tannins of the vintage reveal themselves, leaving behind a feeling of great freshness, while the wine lingers on a long finish, with spicy touches. Reminiscent of the superb 2008 vintage, La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2019 will appeal to fans of the estate and is already accessible in its youth.