Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, a distinguished estate in the Pessac-Leognan appellation of Bordeaux, boasts a rich history and a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality. Nestled just across the road from Chateau Haut Brion and both under the Dillon Family, La Mission Haut Brion shares a similar terroir and a deeply intertwined history with its prestigious neighbour.
The origins of Chateau La Mission Haut Brion date back to 1540 when it was owned by the Lestonnac family. The estate later came under the ownership of the Lazarists in 1682, who developed the vineyard and built a chapel. After changed hands multiple times, in 1983, the estate was purchased by Domaine Clarence Dillon, the owners of Chateau Haut-Brion, marking a new era of modernization and shared viticultural practices between the two estates.
The vineyard of LMHB covers approximately 29 hectares and are situated adjacent to Chateau Haut Brion in the northern part of Graves, sharing a similar extensive gravelly terrace known historically as "Haut Brion." This soil, rich in small quartz pebbles, lies over a complex subsoil of clay, sand, limestone, and shelly sand, varying in depth from 20 centimeters to over 3 meters. These conditions, combined with favorable slopes, ensure excellent drainage.
Winemaking at La Mission Haut Brion adheres to traditional methods combined with modern technology. While Chateau Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion are close geographically and share similarities in terroir, they each possess distinct characteristics.
La Mission Haut Brion Rouge is a complex and full bodied wine, noted for its deep garnet color and intense aromas of ripe blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented by hints of vanilla, oak, and spices. On the palate, it offers a rich blend of berry, chocolate, and licorice flavors with refined tannins. Legendary vintages include 1975, 1982 and 1989, followed by 2000, 2005 and many other post 2005 vintages. Compared to Haut Brion, the production of LMHB is significantly lower. Nonetheless, LMHB consistently produces wines that are richly layered, deeply flavored, and highly sought after. Particularly in legendary vintages, it stands toe-to-toe with Haut-Brion.
As for La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, formerly Chateau Laville Haut Brion, exemplifies the distinctive qualities of Graves dry whites, led by the Semillon grape. The wine starts with a bright lemon color and a complex bouquet of ripe lemon, apricot, white peach, and floral notes, balanced by crisp acidity. Full-bodied and structured, it offers a refreshing, mineral-rich palate. As it ages, it develops rich flavors of almonds, walnuts, and beeswax, positioning it alongside Haut Brion Blanc as a premier Bordeaux dry white.
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