Chateau La Mission Haut-BrionProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Not classified in 1855 (Graves Classification 1953: Grand Cru Classé)

Château La Mission Haut-Brion, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, is one of the most prestigious estates in the region, known for producing wines of exceptional depth, richness, and complexity. Though not part of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, La Mission Haut-Brion was recognized as a Grand Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. Often considered a rival to its sister estate, Château Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion has earned a reputation for producing wines that combine power and finesse, making it a standout in the Pessac-Léognan subregion.

History of Château La Mission Haut-Brion

The history of Château La Mission Haut-Brion dates back to the 16th century when the land was owned by the Lestonnac family. The estate began its life as a vineyard in 1540, and by the early 17th century, it was acquired by the Lazarist missionaries, who significantly expanded the vineyard and built the château that still stands today. The estate’s name, "La Mission," reflects its origins as a property owned by a religious order.

In the 19th century, the estate passed into the hands of the Chiapella family, who continued to enhance its reputation for producing high-quality wines. However, it was during the 20th century, under the ownership of the Woltner family, that La Mission Haut-Brion truly rose to prominence. The Woltner family modernized the winery and vineyard practices, helping to establish La Mission Haut-Brion as one of Bordeaux’s great estates.

In 1983, the Dillon family, who also own Château Haut-Brion, acquired La Mission Haut-Brion. Despite this shared ownership, the two estates maintain distinct identities and styles, with La Mission Haut-Brion often noted for its slightly more robust and structured wines compared to the more elegant and refined Haut-Brion. Today, under the management of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Château La Mission Haut-Brion continues to produce wines that are celebrated for their complexity and ageing potential.

The Terroir of Château La Mission Haut-Brion

The terroir of Château La Mission Haut-Brion is one of the estate’s greatest assets, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 26 hectares of vineyards are located on a well-drained gravelly plateau in Pessac-Léognan, just a short distance from the city of Bordeaux. The gravel soils, with layers of clay and sand, provide excellent drainage, allowing the vines to root deeply and access essential nutrients and water. This terroir is particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which thrive in these conditions.

The vineyard is planted with 48% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s focus on producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, Cabernet Sauvignon contributing structure and tannins, and Cabernet Franc adding aromatic complexity and freshness.

The proximity of the vineyards to the city of Bordeaux creates a unique microclimate that protects the vines from frost and allows for a long growing season. This terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management, results in wines that are both concentrated and nuanced, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Winemaking at Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with about 70% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both powerful and refined, capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.