Chateau La Mission Haut Brion   La Mission Haut Brion

2005 La Mission Haut Brion

By Chateau La Mission Haut Brion

2005 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

Every so often, a Bordeaux vintage emerges that becomes an icon in the annals of vinous history; the 2005 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is very much one of these phenoms. It’s crucial for serious collectors and investors to acquaint themselves intimately with this exceptional vintage's unique character.

 

Quintessential Quality: An Exemplar of Investment Calibre

The year 2005 in Pessac-Leognan was blessed with near-perfect climatic conditions, a benevolent confluence of elements that wrought a harvest of superb structure, depth, and longevity. This splendid season is encapsulated within each bottle of 2005 La Mission Haut Brion.

Uncorking this wine, even after all these years, reveals a treasure-trove of olfactory excellence—ripe blackcurrants and plums mingle sublimely with seductive smoky, earthy undertones. In serving, one can’t help but become bewitched by its deep garnet hue—an invitation to a palate replete with impeccably balanced tannins and an exquisite layering of chocolate and tobacco nuanced by the gentlest hint of truffle.

 

Precise Vintage Virtuosity

This vintage has invariably captured the precise essence of Pessac-Leognan terroir, with an intrinsic minerality that is sophisticated and complex—a testament to the extraordinary soil composition and meticulous viticulture at Chateau La Mission Haut Brion.

The 2005 La Mission Haut Brion has not simply aged; it has evolved into something magnificent. Investors will find that its grace in maturation embodies the kind of assured quality that speaks to its continued ascent in the echelons of collectable wines.

Captivating aficionados and astute investors alike, this vintage is unquestionably an auspicious choice for those looking to enrich their cellar's narrative. With each passing year, the 2005 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion fortifies its status as one of the paramount vintages—not only of its château but amidst the exceptional tapestry of Bordeaux's formidable offerings.

In sum, the symphony played on the palate by this particular libation is a requiem for lesser vintages and a clarion call to those who yearn for wine-making perfection—it is, without doubt, an investment-worthy masterpiece enjoying the zenith of its evolution.

Market price (GBP)

£5,599.00

12x75cl

Highest score

99

POP score

294.68

Scores and tasting notes

99

This shows a beautiful balance between concentration and ripeness. The wine is full-bodied, showing fine and rich tannins with tons going on. This is long and beautiful. I remember this being more muscular, but nevertheless this has taken on a wonderful finesse and richness. Pull the cork after 2020.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 1st 2012

99

Tasted single blind at Southwold. A deep limpid garnet core. This has a very deep, concentrated nose with blackberry, plum, black olive, smoke with a touch of graphite. Brilliant definition and with aeration: a faint touch of damson. The palate is full-bodied with immense concentration, layers and layers of black fruits, cedar, graphite, a touch of spice. Incredible precision and the tannic, muscular finish goes on and on. Close to perfection. Drink 2012-2040. Tasted January 2009.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009

98+

Another massive effort, the inky/purple-colored 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion is broodingly backward and foreboding. The aromatic profile offers hints of charcoal, freshly laid hot tar, truffles, graphite and black fruits. Full-bodied, powerful, tannic and almost painfully extracted and concentrated with tremendous structure, good acidity and a massive finish, this infant wine is largely unchanged since I first tasted it from bottle. If everything comes together in 10-15 years, this brilliant 2005 should merit a triple digit score. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176

Vintage performance