100 By Robert Parker
The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection. It has an absolutely extraordinary nose of sweet blackberries, cassis and spring flowers with some underlying minerality, a full-bodied mouthfeel, gorgeously velvety tannins (which is unusual in this vintage) and a long, textured, multi-layered finish that must last 50+ seconds. This is a fabulous wine and a great effort from this hallowed terroir. Drink this modern-day legend over the next 30+ years. Only 5,500 cases were produced of this blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.
100 By Vinous
The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. Effusive aromatics and bright, red-toned fruit make a strong first impression. A wine of vertical intensity and explosive energy, the 2005 is a towering masterpiece. Today it is just at the beginning of a long drinking window that will last another few decades. Red cherry, plum, leather, spice, gravel, smoke, blood orange and pomegranate infuse the palate staining finish. In 2005, La Mission is a wine that satisfies all the senses, from the intellectual to the hedonistic. Magnificent. Tasted two times.
99 By James Suckling
This is very rich and layered for La Mission with ultra-polished tannins yet velvety and beautiful in texture. It's fully-bodied and full of character that shows plums, berries, wet earth and oyster shell flavors that are so unique to reds from this estate. Superb quality. Better to drink this in 2020 but try now to feel the greatness.
19 By Rene Gabriel
69 % Merlot, 30 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 % Cabernet Franc. 5500 Kisten. Tiefdunkles Granat mit violett-schwarzen Reflexen. Extrem tiefgründig, Trüffel, getrocknete Heidelbeeren, Cassis, Tabak, Teer, Zedern und schwarze Pfefferkörner, darüber ein feiner Kräuterhauch, Origano, Rosmarin und blühende Kapern. Fester, fleischiger Gaumen, viel Extrakt mit blau- bis schwarzbeerigen Konturen, intensive Adstringenz mit gewaltigen, verlangenden Tanninen, im langen, überaus aromatischen Finale Lakritze, Spitzwegerich und schwarze Beeren. Ein bewegender monumentaler Wein, der von der Kraft her dem 89er gleicht, von der Aromatik her eine Seelenverwandschaft mit dem 98er anstrebt. Nicht die Finessen der Premiers aufweisend, aber qualitativ locker auf demselben Niveau. Und vom Potenzial her zu den langlebigsten der Jahrgangs gehörend. 10: Königliche Schoko-Minzenote mit zartem Portschimmer. Grosse Reserven. Wird ein grosser Klassiker und etnwickelt sich in Richtung 20-Punkte. warten (2017 - 2045)
97 By Wine Spectator
The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made. -JS
The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection. It has an absolutely extraordinary nose of sweet blackberries, cassis and spring flowers with some underlying minerality, a full-bodied mouthfeel, gorgeously velvety tannins (which is unusual in this vintage) and a long, textured, multi-layered finish that must last 50+ seconds. This is a fabulous wine and a great effort from this hallowed terroir. Drink this modern-day legend over the next 30+ years. Only 5,500 cases were produced of this blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.
