2020, Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN, Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

The 2020 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion offers plenty of ripe brambly red fruit on the nose: cranberry and wild strawberry, hints of blue fruit in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, rounded tannins that lend a very smooth texture and approachability. Red fruit merge into blacker fruit towards the second half that displays fine sapidity and quite a persistent finish. There is something sedate about this La Chapelle, comfortable in its own skin. 90 Neal Martin, Vinous.

The 2020 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is rich, dense and so inviting, right from the very first taste. Ripe red purplish/berry fruit, rose petal, spice and gravel all meld together in the glass, but what impresses most about La Chapelle is its exceptional balance. Aromatics, fruit and structure are all so well-balanced. The 2020 is an especially fine La Chapelle. 91-93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

A particularly successful effort, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis, burning embers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's layered and integrated, with a fleshy core, powdery structuring tannins and good tension. 93 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

A blend of 44.7% Merlot and 55.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.3%. It rolls effortlessly out of the glass with seducing notes of warm black plums, black cherry compote and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of lavender, crushed rocks and underbrush with a hint of sassafras. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played and refreshing, offering lots of soft-spoken black fruit and earthy layers with a soft texture and seamless acidity, finishing with a spicy kick. 92-94 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

Aromatically expressive, with redcurrant, red berry and soft floral flecks with soft cedar edges. Such high and piercing acidity, but then softens quite quickly, sharp then creamy, giving lots of life and then body. Still quite streamlined and focused, a lovely purity to the fruit with mineral-edged tannins giving that soft salinity and saltiness on the palate which also hints at wet stone. Feels nicely complete and accessible with touches of clove and cinnamon. I like the intensity but it's refined, giving a pleasing palate that's full of flavour. Does get a bit hot on the finish, making you question the alcohol. Minerality the final flavour. 91 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034