La Mission Haut Brion 1997

Deep, intense, healthy colour but quite developed at the rim. Clearly a step up from the Smith in terms of finesse, terroir and general care lavished on it. Still quite youthful and in absolutely no hurry to grow up. If this wine could speak it might have a rather annoying nasal drawl, it's so confident and laid back. But - you've got to admire it. I think I'd still rather than 12 bottles of the Smith than six of this though... but then looked at as a buy compared with other vintages of La Mission, it is a bit of a steal. Drink 2007-2014

The color is dark ruby/purple. The wine is medium-bodied with aromas of black fruits, weedy tobacco, petrol, and earth. The dry, hard tannin in the finish is worrisome, but it appears to be balanced by the wine's depth and extract. While this is not a great La Mission, it is a very good one with moderate aging potential.
Anticipated maturity : 2001-2012.