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La Mission Haut Brion 2004

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc

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Tasting Notes

While La Mission Haut-Brion’s 2004 is not one of this estate’s top successes, it is an outstanding wine, no doubt because of this extraordinary terroir. Deep ruby/purple with notes of lead pencil shavings intermixed with black cherries, cassis, and a hint of scorched earth, medium body, sweet tannin, and a good, but uninspiring finish, this attractive, mid-weight La Mission should age nicely for 15 or more years

90
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (171), June 2007

Intense aromas of plums, blackberries and light earth. Foresty. Full-bodied, with good tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Silky, with good length

89/91
James Suckling, Wine Spectator (April 05), April 2005

Mellifluous and round and fresh and lively. Dry finish and really revitalising. Drink 2013-2025. Date tasted 24th Dec 08.

18
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, July 2009
93
Farr Vintners, Southwold Bordeaux Tasting, January 2008

Another Merlot-dominated blend from Domaine Clarence Dillon, though this time with 42% Cabenet Sauvignon and 3% Carbernet Franc. The nose is candied, plummy and chocolatey. The palate is very alluring and attractive, with dense, stony, minerally fruit character, almost imperceptibly applied oak, svelte, seamless tannins, providnig good structure, and fresh acidity. It's quite a forward style, although still serious as shown by quite a tight finish. Overall it's both very appealing, almost juicy and sweet, but also very complex and stylish. 2010-2025

Wine International Panel, Wine International (June 05), June 2005
92/96
-, Wine International (June 05), June 2005
Read more tasting notes...

The deep ruby/purple color of the 2004 La Mission Haut-Brion is accompanied by meaty scents interwoven with hints of wet gravel, smoke, black raspberries, and cassis. This elegant, streamlined effort possesses crisp acidity and medium body. It should be approachable in 2-4 years, and last for 12-15.

89/91
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (165), June 2006

This is the first vintage under the full control of Jean-Philippe Delmas, who succeeded his father, Jean-Bernard, who produced all the La Missions between 1983 and 2003 (Jean-Bernard succeeded his father, who produced every vintage of Haut-Brion in the twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties). A blend of 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2004 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as a big nose of damp earth, cedar, smoke, tobacco, black currants, and cherries. There is excellent sweetness, medium to full body, serious muscle, elegance, and finesse in this fine La Mission. It should be at its best between 2008 and 2020+.

91/93
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (158), April 2005

Medium intensity. Very well integrated, neat nose without massive intensity but attractive inky dryness. Super fresh acidity but not aggressive and lovely supple tannins. There's not the weight of the 2005 on the palate but there is lovely balance. Really fragrant and fresh.

18.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, June 2008

[M 55%, CS 42%, CF 3%] Deep with purple notes. Muted on the nose. Then very sumptuous on the palate. Mouthfilling fruit with very fine tannins on the finish. Like Ch La Tour Haut-Brion, discreet and low key. Fine. Acidity not especially high. Low key black fruits. Neat rather than long.

17.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, August 2005
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.