Mission Haut Brion

History of Château La Mission Haut-Brion  

Founded in the 16th century, Château La Mission Haut-Brion has a rich and captivating history. The estate came into being with the de Lestonnac family, but it derives its name from the congregation of Lazarist priests who settled on these lands in 1682. These priests, members of the Congregation of the Mission, played a decisive role in expanding the vineyard and the wine's reputation, notably through the construction of a chapel in 1698.  

Despite troubled periods such as the French Revolution, the estate survived and traversed the centuries, changing hands several times. In the 19th century, Château La Mission Haut-Brion gained notoriety under the direction of the Chiapella family, wealthy New Orleans merchants, who exported the wine to America. In 1983, the estate was acquired by the Dillon family, owners of the prestigious Château Haut-Brion. Since this acquisition, both properties have benefited from the same winemaking techniques, whilst retaining their distinct identities.  

The 1982, 2005, 1961, 2000, 1989, 1959, 2009, 1955 and 2020 vintages of Château La Mission Haut-Brion Grand Cru Classé de Graves achieved perfection with 100/100 from Robert Parker. The 2010, 2018 and 2019 vintages follow with 99/100, confirming the reputation of this great Pessac-Léognan wine.

Terroirs and Vines of Château La Mission Haut-Brion  

The vineyard of Château La Mission Haut-Brion spans approximately 29 hectares, planted predominantly with red grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) and a smaller portion of white grape varieties (Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc).  

Located in the communes of Pessac and Talence, the terroir is composed of deep gravels, consisting of small pebbles formed from different varieties of quartz, resting on subsoils of clay, sand and shell limestone (faluns). This unique composition promotes optimal drainage and ideal exposure, guaranteeing perfect ripening conditions for the vines. The diversity of soils, ranging from gentle slopes to higher crests, allows the grapes to develop distinct organoleptic characteristics.  

The gravels, combined with a temperate climate, offer an ideal environment for cultivating red grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which benefit from a balanced tannic structure. As for the white grape varieties, Sémillon develops a marked aromatic complexity here.

Vinification at Château La Mission Haut-Brion  

Vinification at Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a highly meticulous process, based on modern techniques and traditional methods. The harvest is carried out by hand, with rigorous sorting of the grapes. Once harvested, the grapes are transferred to the winery for precisely controlled fermentation.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, where the wines develop their full aromatic intensity. For red wines, the maceration process lasts about two weeks, allowing the tannins and aromas to fully extract from the skins. After fermentation, the wines are racked and aged in French oak barrels, with the proportion of new wood varying according to the vintage. Ageing lasts between 18 and 22 months for the reds, to refine the structure and enhance the aromas.

For white wines, such as Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, the grapes are gently pressed and fermentation takes place in new barrels, without malolactic fermentation, to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit. Ageing lasts between 13 and 16 months, imparting remarkable complexity and finesse to the wine.

The cuvées of Château La Mission Haut-Brion  

Château La Mission Haut-Brion Rouge - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Château La Mission Haut-Brion Rouge is one of the most prestigious wines of Pessac-Léognan. Powerful, dense and structured, it offers exceptional complexity with aromas of red fruits, cedar, tobacco and smoky notes typical of Graves wines. This wine has an impressive ageing capacity and flourishes with time, developing a velvety texture and remarkable tannic length. Recent vintages, such as 2020, demonstrate an exuberant and voluptuous profile, with enveloping tannins and great aromatic richness.

Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc  

Formerly known as Château Laville Haut-Brion, this dry white wine is a true gem for lovers of great Graves wines. Made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, it presents a perfect balance between richness, freshness and complexity. Its aromatic palette evolves with age, moving from citrus and white flowers to deeper notes of honey and dried fruits. Few bottles are produced each year, making this wine a rare and sought-after product.

La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion  

La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is the estate's second wine. Made from the same grape varieties as the grand vin, it offers an excellent introduction to the world of Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Although more accessible in its youth, this wine is no less complex, with aromas of ripe fruits, spices and a fine tannic structure. It is a wine of beautiful depth, perfect for discovering the finesse of the estate's wines at a more affordable price.

La Clarté de Haut-Brion  

La Clarté de Haut-Brion is a rare white wine, born from the collaboration between Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Made primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is distinguished by its freshness and elegance. On the palate, it reveals aromas of exotic fruits, candied lemon and white flowers, with an ample texture and a beautiful persistence. This wine represents a fine alternative to the estate's great whites, whilst retaining the same meticulous attention in its production.

The vintages of Graves and Pessac-Léognan, two Bordeaux appellations, stand out for their consistent quality. The years 1975, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990 are particularly prized for their finesse and balance. The vintages 1998, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are equally remarkable for their structure and ageing potential. More recently, the vintages 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 confirm this continuing excellence, with wines offering both elegance and longevity.

Explore all the Grands Crus Classés de Graves, an appellation renowned for the diversity and quality of its wines. At the top of the list, the First Growth of 1855, Château Haut-Brion of Pessac-Léognan, is a historical reference. For red andwhite wines, estates such as Château Bouscaut, Château Carbonnieux, Château Malartic-Lagravière, Château Olivier, Château Latour-Martillac and Domaine de Chevalier offer interesting cuvées. For reds, you can discover the wines of Château Fieuzal, Château Haut-Bailly, Château Latour Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Pape-Clément and Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte. White wine enthusiasts can turn to the productions of Château Couhins, Château Couhins Lurton and Château Laville Haut-Brion. These estates offer you a wide range of wines to discover in the heart of the Graves region.

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is much more than a wine estate: it is a place where tradition and innovation come together to create exceptional wines. Whether through its powerful and refined reds or its whites of rare elegance, this estate perpetuates a long history of excellence. The attention paid to terroirs, grape varieties and winemaking techniques guarantees wines capable of spanning decades whilst offering unparalleled pleasures with each tasting. Buying a wine from Château La Mission Haut-Brion is to treat oneself to a piece of history and a unique gustatory experience.