99 points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, December 2022
A blend of 57.5% Merlot and 42.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion is deep garnet-purple in color. It is uncharacteristically shy to begin, needing considerable coaxing to unlock notes of blackcurrant cordial, black cherries, and wild blueberries, plus opulent wafts of rose oil, Chinese five spice, dried lavender, and licorice. The full-bodied palate explodes with a whole array of cassis and blackberry preserves layers, followed by sparks of exotic spices and dried flowers, supported by very fine, exquisitely ripe tannins, leading to a firework display of spices and minerals on the finish of this atomic wine.
James Suckling 97/100 , , February 2019
Regal wine, showing alluringly ripe and dark plums, that carries a wealth of complexity in its DNA - fine spices, leaves, graphite, violets and more. The palate has very precise drive and super focused style and delivers authoritative tannins that are arranged in linear fashion. Power with elegance. Try from 2024.
The 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion checks in as a Merlot-heavy blend, 57.5% Merlot and 42.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. About as pure and seamless (yet sexy) as they come in the vintage, it offers awesome notes of dried flowers, sweet currants, cedarwood, forest floor, and exotic spices. With a flawless texture, medium to full body, and ultra-fine tannins, this beauty builds incrementally on the palate with terrific mid-palate depth and a stunning finish. It’s sexier and more charming compared to the more backward Haut Brion, yet I suspect it will age just as long. Drink 2023-2063.