La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion 2016

Located across the road from Chateau Haut Brion, Chateau la Mission Haut Brion began in 1533 when Jean de Pontac purchased the property. He was the owner of Chateau Haut Brion at the time. Arnaud de Lestonnac purchased a plot of land known as Arregedhuys and he married Jean de Pontac sister, Marie. In 1548, Arnaud dies and his 4th son, Pierre, took over the estate. His daughter Olive de Lestonnac would transform the estate. She was married and widowed 3 times and without any heirs, she donated the property to Lazarists of Bordeaux. They were known as the Priest of la Mission. The estate was seized during the revolution and sold to Martial-Victor Vaillant. For the next 100 years, it was owned by the Chiapella family. The Chiapella family were from Louisiana which allowed for very easy sales to the Unite States. In 1884, the Chiappela family sold the estate. It had numerous owners until the Woltner family purchased the estate in 1919. The Woltners began to modernize the winery. In 1927, they introduced a white wine called Laville Haut Brion. The Woltner era ended in 1983, Wen the estate was sold to Domaine Clarence Dillon, Owner of Chateau Haut Brion.
The Chateau produces between 6,000 and 7,000 cases of the Grand Vin each year. The vineyard is plated 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. The Vineyards is 52 acres in 2 plots and straddles the communes of Pessac and Talence.

The Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion is their second wine. The 2016 is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot and 21.5% Cabernet Franc. Approximately 4,000 cases are produced. annually.

Wine Spectator: 93
Vivid, with sleek cassis and crushed plum flavors stretching out nicely as this airs in the glass, carried by a racy, tarry edge and backed by ample sweet spice and tobacco notes. The late echo of roasted apple wood is pleasant and the finish has an electric feel.

Wine Advocate: 94
The 2016 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is blended of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot and 21.5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it absolutely sings of red roses, black tea and tilled black soil with a core of crushed blackberries, Morello cherries and cassis plus a hint of cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of ripe black berries and floral layers, framed by soft, silken tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

Wine Advocate: 94

The 2016 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is blended of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot and 21.5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it absolutely sings of red roses, black tea and tilled black soil with a core of crushed blackberries, Morello cherries and cassis plus a hint of cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of ripe black berries and floral layers, framed by soft, silken tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

Decanter: 92
A toasted oak note adds a layer of richness and depth to the fruit expression, this is silky, full of supple black fruits. There's a touch of heat but it's appetising and appealing. The texture and the richness is clear. Great quality. Bottled in mid May 2018, 25% of production went into La Chapelle. Drinking Window 2021 - 2034.

Wine Enthusiast: 93
This perfumed wine offers fine tannins and rich fruit. The second wine of Château la Mission Haut-Brion, it is densely structured while still glorying in ripe black fruit. Dense and complex it still shows an open, generous character. Drink from 2024.

Vinous: 92
The 2016 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is just as captivating from bottle as it was from barrel. Fresh, silky and inviting, the Chapelle is all class. Floral notes lead into a core of expressive red cherry and plum fruit. Medium in body, silky and exquisite in its balance, the 2016 has so much to recommend it. I would prefer to give the wine a few years in bottle to allow a broader range of aromas and flavors to develop, but even today, the Chapelle is gorgeous. The 21% Cabernet Franc in the blend adds striking brightness and perfume throughout.

Vinous: 92

The 2016 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is just as captivating from bottle as it was from barrel. Fresh, silky and inviting, the Chapelle is all class. Floral notes lead into a core of expressive red cherry and plum fruit. Medium in body, silky and exquisite in its balance, the 2016 has so much to recommend it. I would prefer to give the wine a few years in bottle to allow a broader range of aromas and flavors to develop, but even today, the Chapelle is gorgeous. The 21% Cabernet Franc in the blend adds striking brightness and perfume throughout.

James Suckling: 94
Attractive, earthy and cedary aromas across ripe, mixed berries, leading to a deep-set palate with succulent and approachable tannins that deliver a very long, succulent and flavorful finish. Holds bright, fresh and long. Second wine of Château La Mission-Haut-Brion. Try from 2023.

Jeb Dunnuck: 93
Looking first at the second wine of the estate, the 2016 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It’s a head turner of a second wine and has plenty of grand vin character, yet it’s more front end-loaded, with beautiful tobacco leaf, cigar smoke, graphite, and earthy red and black fruits all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, deep, balanced, with a sexy yet also elegant texture, it’s a winner to enjoy over the coming 2+ decades.

Jeb Dunnuck: 93

Looking first at the second wine of the estate, the 2016 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It’s a head turner of a second wine and has plenty of grand vin character, yet it’s more front end-loaded, with beautiful tobacco leaf, cigar smoke, graphite, and earthy red and black fruits all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, deep, balanced, with a sexy yet also elegant texture, it’s a winner to enjoy over the coming 2+ decades.