Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2015

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious estates, often considered the equal of its neighbouring First Growth, Château Haut-Brion. Located in Pessac-Léognan, the estate is known for producing wines of remarkable depth, structure, and complexity. The 2015 vintage was an exceptional year in Bordeaux, marked by a warm and dry growing season followed by well-timed late-season rains, resulting in wines with outstanding balance, richness, and longevity.

Sourced from deep gravel and clay soils, Château La Mission Haut-Brion benefits from a terroir that ensures both excellent drainage and the retention of heat, which aids in slow and even ripening. The vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with Merlot typically playing a dominant role, adding plushness and opulence. Aged for 18-24 months in new French oak barrels, this wine is built for long-term ageing, developing further complexity over time.

Appearance: Deep garnet with an opaque core and vibrant ruby reflections. The rim shows the first hints of evolution, while the slow-moving, well-defined legs indicate impressive richness, structure, and longevity.

Aroma: Intensely aromatic, with layers of ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry interwoven with graphite, cigar box, and finely polished oak. Hints of tobacco, roasted coffee, truffle, and crushed violets add depth, while subtle notes of dark chocolate and baking spices emerge with aeration, creating a highly complex and evolving bouquet.

Taste: Bold and multi-dimensional, the palate opens with concentrated dark fruit, including cassis, black cherry, and mulberry, balanced by fresh acidity and firm yet velvety tannins. The wine’s structure is complemented by savoury notes of liquorice, cedar, and crushed stone, with hints of clove and vanilla from the well-integrated oak. The mid-palate is layered and expansive, revealing additional spice, minerality, and depth as it evolves in the glass.

Finish: Exceptionally long and structured, with lingering notes of dark fruit, graphite, and a touch of smoky minerality. The tannins remain polished yet firm, ensuring a wine that will continue to evolve and refine over the coming decades, while its acidity provides a perfect balance of freshness and power.

Food Pairing: Dry-aged ribeye steak with a black truffle jus enhances the wine’s structure and depth, complementing its intense fruit and savoury complexity. Slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary and garlic highlights the wine’s velvety tannins and earthy undertones, creating a seamless pairing.