2021 La Chapelle de la Mission (Pessac)

Aromas of dark berries, rich spices, loamy soil and new oak introduce the 2021 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming wine with an enveloping core of fruit, lively acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. While it can`t match the polish and elegant of La Clarence de Haut-Brion this year, it`s a fine second wine. 90-92 points

The 2021 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is quite elegant and delicate in this vintage. Floral accents perk up a core of bright, red-fleshed fruit. the 2021 is nicely delineated, I just wish there was a bit more depth. Ultimately the 2021 feels a bit light. 89-91 points

The 2021 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has a pure black cherry and wild strawberry bouquet, very well defined and revealing hints of vanilla pod with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannins, and quite concentrated for a Deuxième Vin, leading to a nicely structured, slightly chewy finish. A gutsy La Chapelle. 89-91 points

Subtle and sculpted, with clarity to the vivid and ripe sweet cherry, raspberry and loganberry fruits. This is bright and great quality, takes its time to open, but then shows waves of flavour, with smoked earth and campfire smoke. The lower alcohols are unusual in the Haut-Brion range of wines, and it has been several years since seeing anything under 14%, and it takes a moment to adjust to the different weight in the palate. 48hl/h yields after no frost and very little mildew. 27% new oak. Subtle, this takes its time to open. 92 points