1989 Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Community Tasting Note

wrote:

100 Points

Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Turn on the heaters (Chicago, IL): It's truly hard for me to imagine how else you could make this wine better. This is easily one of the most compelling bottles of Bordeaux I've ever had, and it was one that actually pulled me back into the region after neglecting it. A cork in preternaturally good condition gave way to a nose that really just exploded out of the bottle. This was spectacular from the cork pull (and plenty of unhappy experiences with over-decanted Bordeaux last year had me decide to pop and pour this and follow it over a leisurely dinner). The nose is graphite and cedar, but overlaid with a stony minerality and fruit that still maintains vestiges of primary character. On the palate, this is surprisingly light -- though maybe lithe and supple might be a better descriptor. There is no lack of complexity -- a bit of pyrazine green that fades into sweet red and black fruit, tons of Pessac stoniness, and just a faint hint of barnyard and leather. It's really the complete package as far as Bordeaux goes. The tannins could almost be called a bit young still, and I've no doubt that this still has plenty of gas left in the tank. This is one of my favourite bottles of red Bordeaux made in my lifetime.

Post a Comment / View acyso's profile
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (2,194 views)
×
×