100 Par Robert Parker
A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine-s remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine-s unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years.
100 Par Robert Parker
A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine-s remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine-s unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years.
98 Par James Suckling
What a gorgeous nose of ripe dark fruits such as bramble berries, blueberries and currants, with hints of orange flowers. This is so tight and focused, with laser-guided tannins. It starts very slowly and then builds and builds and builds on the palate. Currants and blackberries galore, yet a tangy, firm and creamy textured tannin structure. Racy, muscular structure. Try in 2021.
98 Par James Sukling
What a gorgeous nose of ripe dark fruits such as bramble berries, blueberries and currants, with hints of orange flowers. This is so tight and focused, with laser-guided tannins. It starts very slowly and then builds and builds and builds on the palate. Currants and blackberries galore, yet a tangy, firm and creamy textured tannin structure. Racy, muscular structure. Try in 2021.
19 Par Rene Gabriel
47 % Merlot, 47 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 6 % Cabernet Franc. 47 hl/ha. Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Das Bouquet beginnt kühl, zeigt eine tolle Tiefe mit Trüffel, Zedern und feinen Rauchnoten, viel schwarze Beeren, getrocknete Heidelbeeren, insgesamt aber doch momentan mehr Terroiranzeige als Frucht aufweisend, wirkt kompakt und noch sehr reserviert. Erhabener Gaumen mit mächtigem Auftritt, feine Muskeln umgeben einen geballten Körper der sich von der Aromatik her wieder fast nur im schwarzbeerigen Bereich abspielt, im massiv konzentrierten Finale dunkles Malz, Dörrbirnen, Korinthen. Ein grosser, mächtiger klassischer Mission der nicht gerade zu Anfang gefallen will, dafür aber ein Potential für locker 40 Jahre aufweist. warten (2018 - 2050)
19 Par Rene Gabriel
47 % Merlot, 47 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 6 % Cabernet Franc. 47 hl/ha. Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Das Bouquet beginnt kühl, zeigt eine tolle Tiefe mit Trüffel, Zedern und feinen Rauchnoten, viel schwarze Beeren, getrocknete Heidelbeeren, insgesamt aber doch momentan mehr Terroiranzeige als Frucht aufweisend, wirkt kompakt und noch sehr reserviert. Erhabener Gaumen mit mächtigem Auftritt, feine Muskeln umgeben einen geballten Körper der sich von der Aromatik her wieder fast nur im schwarzbeerigen Bereich abspielt, im massiv konzentrierten Finale dunkles Malz, Dörrbirnen, Korinthen. Ein grosser, mächtiger klassischer Mission der nicht gerade zu Anfang gefallen will, dafür aber ein Potential für locker 40 Jahre aufweist. warten (2018 - 2050)
96 Par Wine Spectator
This is forcefully rendered, with dark tar, espresso and chocolate up front, backed by dense layers of fig sauce, currant reduction and smoldering black tea leaves. There's dense flesh and great drive on the finish, which has serious grip. Best from 2016 through 2035. 6,000 cases made. –JM
96 Par Wine Spectator
This is forcefully rendered, with dark tar, espresso and chocolate up front, backed by dense layers of fig sauce, currant reduction and smoldering black tea leaves. There's dense flesh and great drive on the finish, which has serious grip. Best from 2016 through 2035. 6,000 cases made. –JM
A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine-s remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine-s unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years.
