The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is a total stunner, just as it was en primeur. An archetype of finesse. Dark and explosive, with no hard edges, the 2022 is captivating right out of the gate. Vibrant red fruit, blood orange, new leather and exotic spice notes are all beautifully alive in the glass. The 2022 is seamless and resonant, with magnificent balance and tons of pure class. I would be thrilled to own it. In a word: dazzling. 100 points

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion, as usual, deserves five minutes in the glass before sticking your nose into it. Scents of black plum, gravel, violet and crushed stone emerge; that Earl Grey element is not as obvious as it was out of barrel. This is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Extremely pure with unerring symmetry, the 2022 builds through the caressing and persistent finish. Maybe for some it does not have the grip of top vintages, though you cannot argue against its riveting complexity and persistence in the mouth. All that said, juxtaposing the two side-by-side for 30 minutes, it must take the silver medal to 2022 Haut-Brion. 96 points

Reserved and closed down right now, you can feel the muscularity on the opening beats but as it widens through the mid palate a ton of spice and fragrant freshly-cut herbs come crowding in, giving a light and finessed touch to the deep blueberry and plum fruits. Great quality, these wines have kept their typicity in the heat of the vintage. 97 points