The 2003 La Mission Haut-Brion shows more creme de cassis, plenty of cedar wood, melted licorice and charcoal in a medium to full-bodied wine. It is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Rustic tannins in the back knock down the ultimate pleasure, and the point score, ever so slightly, but there’s no doubting the complex, perfumey, noble aromatics this wine has managed to attain despite the staggering heat and drought in June, July and August. This has reached full maturity, but should hold nicely for another 7-10 years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #214, Aug 2014)

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The La Mission ’03 has a delicate bouquet that takes time to muster energy – eventually offering wild hedgerow and briary notes, a touch of leather and a hint of orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with furry tannins. There is certainly good weight and control here with an attractive tertiary finish laced with fennel and white pepper. Perhaps this just has the edge over the Haut-Brion at the moment? Fine. Tasted March 2013.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2013