2025 La Chapelle de la Mission (Pessac)

Bright vivid fruits here, as is so often the case with La Chapelle, iris and peony fragrance, arresting mix of finesse and concentration, skilful construction. Early flowering around May 17, and no rain from flowering until mid-June, when 63mm fell in three hours, very helpful because then almost no rain until the end of August, with 41 days above 32C, all of which shows why they had 27hl/ha yield. Jean-Philippe Masclef last vintage before retirement. Harvest August 27 to September 19. 14% new oak. 3.78ph. 92 points

The 2025 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, a blend of 52.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28.3% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 1.1% Petit Verdot, reveals a complex and relatively deep bouquet for a second wine, with notes of cassis, blackberry and spice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and structured, it shows a firm yet elegant profile, supported by a core of freshness through the mid-palate. The tannins are well defined, lending length and structure. This is a more muscular expression of La Chapelle. 90-92 points

The 2025 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion is far from an easygoing wine. A blast of red-toned fruit, brisk acids and imposing tannins are signatures of a serious wine that is going to need a few years to come into its own. The 2025 is so vivid and vibrant. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle. Very fine. 92-94 points

The 2025 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion has a pretty bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, light touches of mint and cedar. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine tannins, fresh and lively, with a dab of black olive and graphite towards the structured finish. Nice grip here, just give it a couple of years to smooth its edges. 90-92 points