The 2001 La Mission Haut-Brion is less complex on the nose than the preceding millennial vintage. There is more blue fruit here, and perhaps greater purity compared to the 2000, though it does not quite possess the same amplitude. The saline, medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins and hints of tangy black olives (kalamata, maybe?), and shows wonderful substance and grip toward the pure finish. Jean-Philippe Delmas commented upon the “surprising depth” of the 2001, which is true. But at the moment, the 2000 has a little more personality. 13.2% alcohol. Tasted at the château with Jean-Philippe Delmas. Sept 2021

Ruby-red. Black cherry, tobacco and minerals on the nose. Dense but juicy and sharply delineated, thanks to its firm spine of acidity. A bit compact today, but finishes with lovely musky sweetness, firm but ripe tannins and superb length. May 2004

The 2001’s juicy, peppery, meaty bouquet reveals notions of black currants, black cherries, tobacco leaf, and smoky barbecue. This expressive, medium-bodied, seductive La Mission has shed most of its tannin, revealing a gentle roundness. The wine builds incrementally in the mouth, finishing with impressive purity and length. Neither the biggest nor most flamboyant La Mission-Haut-Brion, it is a classic example to drink over the next 10-15 years while waiting for the bombastic, massive 2000 to evolve.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #202, Aug 2012)

Very expressive of the ‘warm bricks’ character. Heady and rich. Full and broad. Seductive and yet not the most refreshing. Dry finish. But lots of hedonism here. Long and reverberant. JR March 2012