At a glance

Producer

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Region

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot (58%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (7%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$700 - $850 (standard 750ml retail bottle, 2024 prices from Wine-Searcher and major Bordeaux merchants)

Tasting profile

Dense blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, and earth with hints of truffle and dark plum; firm tannins dominate the palate

Evolution: Fruit will evolve from primary black and blue fruits to complex tertiary notes of leather, forest floor, mineral, and cigar box over the next decade

At peak: Harmoniously balanced with rounded tannins, profound complexity, layered flavors of red and black fruits melded with refined oak and spice

Structure

Acidity

Elevated, fresh acidity providing backbone and longevity

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained and well-structured tannins with significant aging potential; currently somewhat austere but resolving

Alcohol

Well integrated, moderate at around 13% to 13.5% ABV typical of 2015 Pessac-Léognan

Aging potential

40+ years of cellaring potential from vintage, owing to top producer, vintage, and grape composition

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2059

Optimal window

2025 to 2062

Current status

Needs aging for optimal expression; suitable for moderately patient drinkers now

Current condition

Youthful with prominent tannins and primary fruit; tight structure typical of a top Bordeaux from a great vintage

The 2015 vintage is regarded as exceptional in Bordeaux, combining richness with freshness and perfect phenolic ripeness. This allows the wine to develop complex tertiary characters during the peak window starting around 15 years after vintage, when primary tannins soften and integrated acidity maintains freshness. After 2045, gradual decline in fruit intensity and structure is expected, but noble flavors and elegance can persist beyond.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with rich game dishes (roast venison, duck breast), beef entrecôtes, lamb with herbs, mushroom-based sauces, aged hard cheeses like Comté or Pecorino. As the wine evolves, earthier dishes such as truffle risotto or braised beef cheeks will complement tertiary notes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the wine to open up, soften tannins, and reveal complex aromas, especially beneficial for a young 2015

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of advanced vineyard management to reduce chemical inputs; focus on soil health and biodiversity; sustainable water and energy use

While not fully certified organic or biodynamic in 2015, the estate actively pursues sustainability measures that reduce environmental impact and support vineyard longevity.