At a glance

Producer

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Region

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

US$600 - US$900

Tasting profile

Dense black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), graphite, cedar, tobacco, and cedar oak notes with mineral undertones

Evolution: Over next 5-10 years will develop tertiary notes: leather, truffle, forest floor, smoke, and silky texture

At peak: Complex layered bouquet with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and elegant length

Structure

Acidity

High, balanced to support aging

Tannins

Firm, ripe, well-integrated but youthful

Alcohol

13.5% - 14%

Aging potential

30-40+ years, typical of top Bordeaux grands crus

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2060

Optimal window

2026 to 2063

Current status

Approaching early maturity, developing complexity

Current condition

Very youthful tannins and acidity, primary fruit transitioning to secondary notes

This 2016 vintage from a top-class Pessac-Léognan grand cru has the structure, balance, and concentration to evolve gracefully. The optimal drinking window begins roughly 10 years post-vintage, continuing for several decades due to firm tannins and acidity characteristic of Château La Mission Haut-Brion.

Food pairing

Ideal with rich red meats like roasted lamb, herb-crusted beef, game (venison, duck), aged hard cheeses, and dishes with earthy mushroom sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the wine to open up and soften youthful tannins, enhancing aromatic expression and palate complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, sustainable vineyard management including reduction of chemical usage, water resource management, careful canopy management, and partial renewable energy implementation in facilities.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Château La Mission Haut-Brion employs various sustainable farming practices focusing on environmental balance and resource conservation. Being a prestigious Bordeaux estate, they balance tradition and modern sustainability efforts. The carbon footprint includes transportation export mainly to US, Asia and Europe, and the logistics impact is typical for top Bordeaux wines.