La Mission Haut Brion 2014 (6.0L)

98 JA / 96 VM / 96 JS / 96 WI / 95+ AG / 95 JD / 95 WE / 18.5 JR

This is a brilliant vintage for both wines of the Haut-Brion stable at the time, I remember them standing out during En Primeur, and wow this is still delivering, right up there at the top of the lineup. Fleshy and finessed, measured, gourmet, grilled raspberry and red cherry, edges of sweeter damson, even creme de cassis, with tobacco, slate, saffron and turmeric adding layers to sink into. Great length and is full of fragrance. Knockout. Jean-Philippe Delmas estate director, Jean-Philippe Masclef technical director. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion has a sophisticated, very detailed bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and graphite. This is very focused and yet at the same time quite controlled and discrete. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, cedar and touches of allspice. I love the depth of this wine and the gentle grip towards the finish. It knows not to push too hard in this growing season and that results in a very classy wine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

The typicity of La Mission is really here. Aromas of iodine, oyster shell, currants and orange peel are evident. Full-bodied, tight and tannic with a muscular and toned texture that holds the wine down at the moment, but it’s waiting to release its joy and true nature. Fine-grained. Give it until 2023.- James Suckling

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion needs a swirl or two to unlock notes of blackberry pie, creme de cassis, and espresso plus nuances of truffle, tapenade, and fragrant soil. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich and velvety, with spicy accents to the black fruit flavors, finishing long and decadent.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion is dark, powerful and authoritative from the very first impression. A dark, beguiling wine, it boasts serious richness and concentration. Savory herbs, tobacco, menthol, licorice and a host of dark fruit infuse this deep, intense La Mission. The 2014 is not a huge wine, but it does have exceptional balance. This is a very strong showing. The blend is 54 % Merlot, 45 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 1 % Cabernet Franc. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2014 Château La Mission Haut Brion is slightly more elegant and pretty compared to the richer, slightly more masculine Haut Brion. A blend of 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Cabernet Franc, it shows a kiss of red fruits in its core of darker currants, smoke tobacco, scorched earth, vanilla bean, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. With medium to full-bodied richness, impeccable balance, fine tannin, and a great, great finish, it’s a downright classy La Mission that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20+. - Jeb Dunnuck

Richly endowed, the wine is beautifully concentrated. Still young it has considerable potential with its rich fruits and firm tannins. There is a strongly juicy aftertaste that brings in the freshness of the year. The wine will age well, and should not be drunk before 2026. — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Tasted blind. Rather exotic nose with masses going on. Very much first-growth quality. Masses of tannins. Really appetising. Edgy and salty. Very sweet. Drink 2024-2050 - Jancis Robinson

Roast cashew, plum and wet stone aromas, followed by raspberry, red currants and chutney on the palate with finely-integrated acidity and tannins. Very long finish.En Primeur tasting note, GVWM Staff