Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Cru Classe 1994

Jane Anson: Caressing in its tobacco and campfire smoke, with crushed raspberry coulis, less layered than the blockbuster vintages in the lineup but with a fresh mint leaf and oyster shell salinity on the finish. Cool Spring followed by a hot summer with thunderstorms, with a high Merlot blend because rain arrived during the Cabernet harvest, causing issues for many Left Bank estates. It’s a vintage of La Mission that I have drunk regularly, the last time a good five years ago, and remains on the exact same plateau – understated, charming and one to look out for. Jean-Philippe Delmas’ first vintage, working alongside his father Jean-Bernard. Harvest September 12 to 24 – the early-ripening location of this site a definite advantage. 92/100 (2014)

Falstaff: Dunkles Rubingranat, fester Farbkern, violette Reflexe, zarter Ockerrand. In der Nase mineralisch, zart animalisch, Velours, Nuancen von Weihrauch, Zedernholz, Preiselbeeren. Am Gaumen präsente Tannine, mittlere Textur, frische Säurestruktur, sehr typische Würze, stahliger Körper, feine rotbeerige Frucht, zart nach Tabak, nicht ohne Charme. 91/100 (2005)