Mission Haut Brion Pessac Leognan 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Mission Haut Brion
Label Name:
 
Pessac Leognan
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Pessac-Léognan (Graves, Bordeaux)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 53.5%, Cabernet Sauvignon 42.9%, Cabernet Franc 3.6%
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Key critic scores: Jeb Dunnuck 100; Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti‑Brown) ~99; James Suckling 98; Decanter 97; Vinous 97; Wine Spectator 96; Wine Enthusiast 97. Highly acclaimed vintage with multiple top-tier scores

Tasting Note
Deep garnet colour; layered black fruit (blackcurrant, plum), graphite, violets, iodine and forest-floor notes. Full-bodied, tightly structured with polished but powerful tannins and a very long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, mushroom risotto. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), soy-braised beef short ribs (galbi) — dishes with umami, grilled or roasted meats and rich sauces.

Production Method
Hand-harvested; traditional Bordeaux vinification with fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, élevage in French oak (c.62% new barrels) and bottle ageing; bottled May 2020.

Vineyard Info
Château La Mission Haut-Brion (Domaine Clarence Dillon) is a historic Cru Classé de Graves estate; Woltner family heritage, since 1983 owned by the Dillon family and modernised with renovated cellars and low-yield viticulture.