Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2025, Pessac-Leognan
IN BOND
Delivery 2028
Appellation - Pessac Leognan
Owner - Dilon family
In 2025 La Mission is comprised of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon with 46.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc.
Second wines – La Clarté Haut Brion, Ch La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion
Annual production – 95,000 bottles
TASTING NOTES
The 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked from August 28 until September 19 at around 23 hl/ha, lower than Haut-Brion, perhaps due to higher density of planting and less competition between vines. There is less new oak, at around 59%, the same as Haut-Brion, down from around 80% in recent years. This has a perfumed bouquet, one of the most floral that I can recall, beautifully defined with black cherries, blueberry and crushed violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with chiselled tannins, a silver thread of acidity, quite linear in style with a strict, tensile, graphite-tinged finish. Yeah, it has to play second fiddle to Haut-Brion this year, but it is still a great La Mission. 13.6% alcohol. Drink 2035-2065.
94/96
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2026
A blend of 58.3% Merlot, 38.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.4% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion reveals a refined bouquet of smoky cassis, dark berries, spices and lead pencil, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it’s built around a multidimensional core of fruit underpinned by fine, velvety tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed and precise finish. Combining depth with energy, it delivers a textural yet controlled expression of power, with a real sense of freshness. The result is a particularly faithful, charming rendition of La Mission, defined by its elegance and overall precision.
97/99
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, April 2026
A red with lots of muscular tannins that are polished and velvety. It's full-bodied with a chewy mouthfeel and a long and intense finish. Crushed stones, dark fruit and bark at the end. 58.3% merlot, 38.3% cabernet sauvignon and 3.4% cabernet franc.
96/97
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2026
Signature finesse coupled with clear intensity and concentration, muscular with a juicy frame and crushed red rose petals on the finish. Huge ageing potential, this stretches out through the palate and delivers finesse and hidden power. 69% 1st wine. 27hl/ha yield. Harvest August 27 to September 19. 59% new oak. 3.73ph. 2035-2050.
96
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, April 2026
The 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion is one of my early favorites in this vintage. Aromatic and vibrant, with striking purity, the Grand Vin is magnificent. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, mint and cinnamon soar from the glass. Beams of supporting tannin lend energy and shape. In a word: compelling. One of the wines of the vintage. 2035 - 2075
97/99
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2026