Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2016

Tasting

Colour: Very dark garnet red with deep purple highlights.

Nose: Deep and complex. Ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry), delicate floral nuances (violet), sweet spices (black pepper, liquorice), hints of smoke and light tobacco, cedar, mineral and stony notes typical of the terroir. Noble, perfectly integrated oak, with discreet hints of toast and vanilla.

Palate: Full, silky attack. Very dense texture, with fine, tight tannins giving an impressive yet elegant structure. Rich, precise mid-palate, with pure, radiant fruit underpinned by vibrant freshness. Long, deep and complex finish, marked by mineral, spicy and slightly smoky notes.

Review

- Wine Advocate: 98/100

- Vinous (Neal Martin): 97/100

- James Suckling: 100/100

Suggested pairings

Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats (rib of beef, entrecôte, filet of beef en croûte), roast lamb (leg of lamb, rack of lamb) or simmered lamb (tajine with sweet spices, confit mouse). Excellent with noble roast or stuffed poultry (guinea fowl, duck with cherries) and game birds (pheasant, partridge) or game birds (venison, wild boar). An excellent accompaniment to rich, flavoursome stews (boeuf bourguignon, daube provençale) and mature hard cheeses (Comté vieux, Parmesan, vieux Cantal) or slightly blue-veined cheeses (Bleu d'Auvergne, Fourme d'Ambert).