The classy mouth-feel and length to this is really gorgeous, and it seduces you with its texture of fine silk and finesse. Lasts for a long, long time. Medium body with medium, creamy and round tannins and a layered, textured finish. Shows blackcurrants, lead pencil and crushed stone at the end. 52.7% merlot, 29.6% cabernet sauvignon and 17.7% cabernet franc.

The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked between September 5 until October 5 a relatively long picking at 50hL/ha. It has a wonderful bouquet with brightness and verve: very well-defined red and black fruit a little floral in style maybe not as rambunctious as recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins. A perfect line of acidity counterbalances the creamy texture turning quite plush toward the finish but it is amazingly well-focused. This is a generous La Mission Haut-Brion that will probably drink earlier than say the 2022 as winemaker Jean-Philippe Delmas agreed. It’s very fine and very delicious but I would not place it within the canon of top vintages.

The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion is a dense powerful wine. Firm tannins give the 2023 a feeling of sternness—a sense of classical austerity that is beguiling. This is the second-most tannic vintage for La Mission only surpassed by 2010 so readers should plan on being patient. It will be interesting to see what élevage brings. At this stage the 2023 is quite the bruiser. Hints of mocha spice new leather crushed flowers and red-toned fruit linger. Drink 2033-2063.