2022 Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2022 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has an open, quite airy bouquet of blackberry and touches of warm gravel. Fine delineation, but understated. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins. Not a complex Pessac, it has some brevity and dryness on the finish. Drink over the next decade. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
As readers may remember, the 2022 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is mainly Merlot (55.9%), with a large proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (35.4%) and a touch of Cabernet Franc (8.7%). Evoking aromas of cassis, mulberries, coniferous forest and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and round with a nicely balanced, fleshy core of fruit framed by velvety tannins and an energetic, ethereal finish. The pH is 3.9.
The 2022 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion is based on 56% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's a gorgeous wine in its own right and has terrific cherry and darker, red currant-like fruit as well as a beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied, elegant style on the palate. There's plenty of classic Pessac smoky, gravelly, tobacco-like nuances, and it has soft tannins, beautiful overall balance, and outstanding length. This hit 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.88.
The 2022 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has a fruit-driven bouquet with black cherry, blueberry and light pencil box scents. It shows a little more restraint compared to its showing from barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins, good weight and still with that dab of dark chocolate toward the finish. Give this two or three years in bottle—it's a very giving La Chapelle.
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.