2014 La Chapelle de la Mission (Pessac)

The La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2014 is a blend of 45% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a tightly wound bouquet at first with blackcurrant and hints of orange blossom lending a prettiness. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a nice underbelly of classicism (emanating partly from the 8% vin de presse) underneath a veneer of ripe black fruit, easing down to a supple, “fruity” finish. Fine, though there is a chasm between deuxième and Grand Vins this year. 88-90 points

Given that La Mission is one of my three wines of the vintage, I make no apologies for rating this, its second wine, so highly. Sleek, grassy and aromatic, with polished tannins, focused acidity, subtle oak and a long, very persistent finish, this is better than many châteaux` top wine. 94 points