1952 La Mission Haut Brion

This was pure pleasure. Very sweet indeed and for some time we all thought it was right bank, until one of our number got a 'Mission whiff' (warm bricks?) Very advanced and ripe, almost stewed and pruney to me – although some others preferred it to the Haut-Brion 1952. Very seductive, it eventually became a bit dusty in the glass. It certainly looked, and tasted, more evolved than the Haut-Brion, but a lovely, luscious wine. (JR)

Mid depth of dark ruby with a broad brick rim. Wonderfully mature, well integrated and balanced with lovely fragrance. Great sweetness on the front palate. Real delicacy. Some minerality on the nose. Very fresh but not unpleasant acidity. Lovely for current drinking so long as it’s approached with care (and it’s certainly not a blockbuster). Neat finish. A little light but very well balanced. Belgian bottled. Nony negociant label. 8 lots of 1 dozen bottles at £2000-2400 per dozen (JR)

This wine has not been tasted since 1991.