Like a lot of wines in this underrated vintage, the 2008 La Mission was one of the great bargains of recent vintages. Its healthy blue/purple color is followed by aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, licorice, truffles, underbrush and forest floor. The scorched earthy/smoky character of this estate’s terroir has not yet emerged. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated with good acidity, freshness and delineation, this is a big wine for the vintage, but also very classic in its balance of tannin, acidity and extract. It will benefit from another 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades. The final blend was 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #202, Aug 2012)

Fascinating aromas of crushed berry, plums, sweet tobacco and stones. Full bodied, with chewy and velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is very structured and rich with a bright and tangy acidity. Needs time to come together, obviously.

Deep ruby-purple. Expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, underbrush, smoke and minerals. Juicy, spicy and on the lean side, but with excellent firmness and lift to the dark berry, tar and tobacco flavors. This gained considerable mid-palate sweetness and pliancy with air. But almost austere today on the minerally finish, which features ripe tannins and impressively long, juicy fruit.

51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. Aged 15–18 months in 75% new oak.
Heady green, sappy aromas. Blackcurrant fruit and spice too, albeit less obviously than the herbal scent. Then, the palate gives way to more primary fruit, and it is still seems to be in the first flush of youth. Much more development is surely in store. Plenty of tannin to go the distance too.
Richard Hemming MW