La Mission Haut Brion 2010 (750ML)

100 JS / 100 FS / 98 WCI / 98+ RP / 98 VM / 97 WE / 97 WS / 18+ JR

This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020. - James Suckling, 100-Points

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, faint brightening on the rim. Somewhat restrained, subtle plum fruit, dark berries, a hint of cassis, a touch of fine wood savouriness in the background, a hint of nougat and caramel. Juicy, pronounced in fruit and delicate on the palate, powerful but not lush, perfect tannins, mineral and persistent, chocolatey tone and fine dark berry fruit on the finish, great length, huge future potential. Brilliant.-Falstaff

Smoke, oak, hot earth scents open to a packed and stacked wine, filled with ripe tannin, fresh, long, pure, sweet black raspberries that remain on your palate for at least 40 seconds. Structured to age, the wine demands at least 15 years before delivering its charms. This is showing much better in bottle than it did in barrel. With luck, this trend will continue.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

One of the most powerful La Missions ever produced, the 2010, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, achieved 15% natural alcohol (even higher than the 2009's 14.7%). Nevertheless, the pH is normal which gives the wine an extraordinary precision, freshness and vibrancy despite its massive size. A blue/purple color is followed by a classic nose of blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, spring flowers and crushed rocks. This monumental, full-bodied, incredibly rich La Mission-Haut-Brion will need a decade of cellaring and should last for 40-50 years. It is slightly fatter and creamier than its sibling rival, the 2010 Chateau Haut-Brion. - Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate

The 2010 La Mission Haut-Brion has a very flattering bouquet with detailed red and black fruit laced with chestnut, cedar and sous-bois. This is supremely well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. There is immense depth here, more savoury than expected with chestnut once again, white pepper and a tinge of dried blood towards the finish. Outstanding. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting-Neal Martin, Vinous Media

A beautifully dense, ripe wine, its intense acidity balanced by an opulent structure and gorgeous fruits. The texture is smooth and velvety, while never losing sight of the powerful structure. This elegant and powerful wine will age for many years.-Wine Enthusiast

Intense and engaging. Despite showing lots of heft and tarry grip, the singed apple wood and alder notes are well-defined in this red, accentuating a core of roasted fig, blackberry coulis and macerated red and black currant fruit. The long, bramble-edged finish sports showy ganache and Lapsang souchong tea notes, while the structure refuses to yield until everything has finally played out. Muscular and vivacious. Best from 2019 through 2040. 5,100 cases made.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Tasted blind. Dark garnet with opaque core. Subtle, dark and crushed-rocks aroma. Smells and tastes so elegant. Super-fine tannins and lovely architecture. Juicy, fresh and still a long future. Great elegance and length.-Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson