2005 Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Community Tasting Note

Matt Scott Likes this wine:

100 Points

Friday, February 7, 2014 - I am absolutely stunned by not only the Danaiden finish, but also the astonishingly chiseled, elegant and velvety mouth-feel. There's blackberry, scorched earth, river rock, incense, charred oak, Pad Thai and licorice. Your palate is ensconced in crushed velvet tannin - that is exquisitely polished - and sagacity. This is one of my favorite '05s, and I actually prefer her slightly over the '05 Haut-Brion (99 points). A Pessac that will ultimately out live anyone reading this today. She might be better than the über-classic '89 (100 points). If you own this and want to consume now, please decant for at least two hours. Drink 2020 -.

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4 comments have been posted

Comment posted by jamie24:

2/9/2014 5:15:00 AM - pad thai? haha that's a new one on me

i have a case of the 05 but still haven't opened it. on the basis that the '98 i recently drank was still too young i'm guessing the '05 needs at least another 10 years?
Comment posted by Matt Scott:

2/9/2014 1:13:00 PM - Hi Jamie24,

In ten years, this might still seem like a baby. Please don't get me wrong, she was rather enjoyable, however, this is more serious than the wonderful '98, which is really just starting to open up. I enjoy younger Bordeaux, along with well-aged, yet, if you typically enjoy your Bordeaux at the perfect stride, then I would wait at least fifteen more years.

I never noticed a Pad Thai nuance from La Mission in the past. It was obviously intriguing.

Cheers!

Matt
Comment posted by jamie24:

2/11/2014 6:05:00 AM - have you tried the '01? i've been ploughing through a case at a rate of knots... it's drinking beautifully. perfect while waiting for other vintages to come around
Comment posted by Matt Scott:

2/14/2014 9:15:00 AM - The '01 is a baby '90 in so many ways. I last had it maybe five years ago and it was just opening up. I bet she is in stride at the moment.