Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 2005

The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion has an engrossing bouquet of medicinal-tinged red fruit, blood oranges, eucalyptus and sage that blossoms in the glass. There is wonderful delineation, and gravelly scents manifest with continued time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with bold tannins and plenty of grip and density, maybe a bit rustic compared to today's wines, but you can feel your tongue tingling with allspice and cumin notes on the finish. The 2005 is just rolling up its sleeves and getting down to some "serious business." Tasted at the château.

• Drinking Window: 2025 - 2055
• Reviewer Name: Neal Martin
• Review Date: June 2025