1995 La Mission Haut Brion
By Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
1995 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux vintages, the 1995 La Mission Haut Brion from Chateau La Mission Haut Brion stands as a paragon of structural elegance and complexity. It embodies a felicitous symbiosis of climatic grace and winemaking sagacity, emerging as a crowning achievement from an estate renowned for its indomitable pursuit of viticultural excellence.
Vintage Virtuosity: A Veneration of Varietal Harmony
The 1995 vintage in Pessac-Léognan was a triumph, bathed in the ephemeral glow of an ideal growing season. The cabernet sauvignon grapes found their chorus in the merlot and cabernet franc, engendering a magnificent blend that masterfully articulates the nuanced terroir of this venerable estate.
Now at the apogee of its evolution, the 1995 La Mission Haut Brion exudes an olfactory tapestry rich with tertiary notes; truffle and cigar box aromas commingle with a mature dark fruit compote, while hints of graphite and smoky earth pay homage to its gravelly garb.
Seamless Sophistication: A Benchmark Investment Bottle
The palate resonates with the anticipatory joy one experiences when sipping on history — the tannic structure has softened into an embrace that courts the complex layers of flavour with dignity. Crushed blackcurrants, worn leather, and dried violets interact in an intellectual rendezvous that is nothing short of mesmerising—its finish lingers with such persuasiveness that one can only marvel at its resilience.
A sterling investment-grade bottle, the 1995 La Mission Haut Brion manifests both the finesse and fortitude required by distinguished collections. Its balance and deft blend of power with precision make it a compelling inclusion for enthusiasts who appreciate wines that preside with wisdom over their cellar compatriots.
Connoisseurs and investors alike will recognise the enduring allure encapsulated by this legendary vintage—one that continues to incite fervour among those who prize meticulous craftsmanship married with the virtues of time.
Current market price
£2,900.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
193.33
Scores and tasting notes
This vintage is aging at a glacial pace and the tannins are currently more significant than their counterbalancing components of fruit and glycerin. While the word “potential” seems to be the most positive descriptor for this vintage, there are some nagging doubts about whether all the tannins will melt away and the fruit will hold. As in most 1995s, the color remains a healthy dark plum/purple. One of the bigger wines of the vintage, the ripe, powerful Merlot component has buttressed the Cabernet elements, giving the wine plenty of body, tannin and La Mission's classic asphalt, cassis, blackberry, smoky barbecue, meaty notes intermixed with a hint of hot rocks. The 1995 is still a young wine and I am beginning to wonder if this vintage overall will resemble 1975 rather than something with more charm? Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035?.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #115
This has a bright vermilion rim but the nose is surprisingly subdued at first, but then gains a meaty intensity with a few swirls. It never really gets motoring though. The palate is better, masculine like many 1995s have turned out. Good acidity, grainy texture, notes of blackberry, sour cherry, dried blood and tobacco towards the backward finish that could do with a little more depth. Quite dry on the meaty finish where I was expecting just a little more grip. Tasted May 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2008