2012 La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan
SKU #1223217
97 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
As for the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion, this wine (41% of the total production) continues to perform as it has for nearly a century. At first-growth levels of quality, this is s stunning wine that is full-bodied and very concentrated with notes of graphite, subtle charcoal embers, crème de cassis, blackberry and underlying subtle earthiness. The wine is full and powerful, rich and concentrated. And sure enough, the alcohol level tips the scales at 15% from a blend 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. This is a big, blockbuster La Mission Haut Brion that should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. However, the tannins suggest that this wine should not be touched for another 5-6 years, as its one of the more backward of the 2012 Pessac-Léognans. Bravo! (RP)
(4/2015)
96 points
Vinous
One of the clear wines of the vintage, the 2012 La Mission Haut-Brion shows off a vertical sense of structure along with imposing tannins and serious depth. The flavors are dark, bold and extremely vivid. Dark red cherry, smoke, grilled herbs, graphite and blackberry jam are some of the many notes that come alive on the finish. This brooding La Mission needs a few years to settle down after which it will offer spectacular drinking for several decades. In a word: magnificent! (AG)
(1/2016)
96 points
Wine Enthusiast
This is closed up, dry and tough on the outside. But you can feel the rich weight and the dark tannins along with the powerful structure. That makes this wine both replete with a firm character and also full of generous, concentrated black fruits. It’s a powerful wine, ready for good aging; drink from 2022. *Cellar Selection*
(5/2015)
93 points
Wine Spectator
The rigid tar and bramble frame should eventually meld with the core of plum, blackberry and macerated black currant fruit, featuring ample energy and a graphite note through the finish. Just a little bit of patience required here. Best from 2018 through 2025. (JM)
(3/2015)
92 points
James Suckling
Pure and precise aromas of dark fruits and currants with hints of stones follow through to a full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Harmonious and very elegant. Better in 2017.
(2/2015)
Jancis Robinson
Tasted blind. Straightforward crimson. Very aromatic and then sweet and flattering. Still quite edgy tannins there in abundance, with the fruit only just trumping them. Long and impressive with just a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. Pretty smart with a long way to go. Very sweet but vibrant. 18+/20
(1/2016)
K&L Notes
La Mission-Haut-Brion has a long and illustrious history in Graves, and, in the eyes of some, is seen as the greatest estate in Bordeaux. The estate has an unbelievable record of superb wines stretching back over the past century, earning the reputation for pure excellence. Robert Parker has praised the quality to be that of a First Growth. The vines are planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Since 1983 the Clarence Dillon family, owners of Château Haut-Brion, has owned and managed La Mission, which is now under the expert guidance of Jean-Philippe Delmas, the third generation in his family to manage the Dillon properties.
