Château Haut-Brion is located in Pessac-Léognan in the Bordeaux wine region. It is notable as being the only First Growth in Graves. The vineyards were established in the 1530s by the Pontac family, changing hands several times throughout the ensuing centuries. Historical evidence shows that Haut-Brion was drunk by King Charles II and Thomas Jefferson, and the famous London diarist Samuel Pepys was also a fan of the wine. The estate was acquired by American Francophile Clarence Dillon in 1935 and has been managed by the family since.
This Second white wine is common to Château Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. It comes from the blending of the second wines of the two properties. The 2018 vintage is a blend of Sémillon (79.2%) and Sauvignon Blanc (20.8%). The grape varieties were harvested at maturity, and their sanitary condition was perfect.
Tasting notes:
A richer, more textured wine than the Haut-Brion Blanc, no doubt due to its larger Sémillon content, the 2018 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc reveals a medium gold hue as well as beautiful pineapple, honeyed lime, star fruit, and floral aromas and flavors. Nicely concentrated on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied and offers beautiful acidity, plenty of depth and richness, and a great finish. A slightly softer wine, it doesn’t have the precision of its counter mate yet brings more texture and opulence.
