Tasting Notes
Vinous 88-90
Graphite, smoke, tar, game, licorice and black stone fruits take shape in the 2013 Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion. A dark brooding wine, the 2013 has plenty of intensity and more than enough depth to drink nicely for a number of years once the tannins soften a touch. This is a terrific showing. With time, the 2013 only gets better and more expressive in the glass. The blend is 52% Merlot, 35.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.5% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling 90
A dense second wine for the vintage with iodine, oyster shell and forest floor. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.
Robert Parker 86
The 2013 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 52% Merlot, 12.5% Cabernet Franc and 35.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a reticent bouquet at first with blackberry, blood orange and touches of spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a surprising grip in the mouth, moderate weight, a little austerity to contend with at the beginning, seguing into a rather foursquare but still attractive "classic" finish. You could drink this now, but it will continue to drink well over the next decade.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027