94pts James Suckling

A solid second wine from La Mission with currants, blackberries and hints of fresh tobacco. Oyster shell as well. Full-bodied with firm and chewy yet fine-grained tannins. Driven and long.

93pts Wine Advocate

The 2018 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is composed of 40.8% Merlot, 51.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.6% Cabernet Franc, harvested September 10 to October 2. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rocks up with ready-for-business scents of baked blueberries, raspberry compote and warm blackcurrants with touches of fungi, yeast extract, menthol and espresso plus a fragrant waft of red roses. Full-bodied, the palate has wonderful freshness lifting the black and red fruit preserves, framed by beautifully rounded tannins and finishing on a savory note.

92pts Decanter

Gorgeously finessed blueberries and blackberries are fresh and full of juice. Not for the first time tasting these 2018s, there's the feeling that this is a 2009 but with a little more freshness. Luxurious and silky, it's perhaps a little atypical but easy to love. 3.96pH. Drinking Window 2026 - 2040

91pts Vinous

The 2018 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has a lifted, quite floral bouquet with brambly red fruit, briary, pencil shaving and damp moss aromas. I find the wood nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity with a subtle marine/black olive note that becomes more prominent towards the finish. Fine.

Winery Notes

In 1664, Madame de Lestonnac bequeathed the domaine of La Mission Haut-Brion to the Peres Lazaristes, a congregation founded by Saint Vincent de Paul. The "good fathers" worked to restore their property to its rightful worth. After them, the Chiapella family (owners in the 19th century) and Woltner family (owners between 1919 and 1983) never stopped improving the vineyard and modernizing the cellars. Since 1983, the Dillon family, already owner of Chateau Haut-Brion, continues the same policy under the presidency of H.R.H. Prince Robert of Luxembourg.