1986 La Mission Haut Brion

From the excellent 1986 vintage and with absolutely perfect provenance, coming direct from the Chateau’s cellars, this is an extraordinary find. Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion is rightly revered. The phenomenal terroir of the estate has meant some of the finest wines ever made in Bordeaux have been crafted here, and they are at their formidable best when given the chance to age. With a 96 point score from James Suckling as recently as 2016, this 1986 vintage is clearly in a beautiful place and so for those wanting to experience mature La Mission, this is a great vintage to own. In fact, this wine was chosen as the oldest vintage to pour at our recent Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion event at Claridge's restaurant Davies & Brook. On the night, the wine showed beautifully, with the sensational structure, texture and depth one would expect of a wine of this calibre. Very concentrated and at 33+ years, the colour was darker and denser than would normally be expected. Very serious, open and expressive. Nose reveals dark fruits, exotic sweet spice, smoky brambly, black fruit and cloves. Rich, concentrated, full bodied and still very structured on palate, tannins are abundant, but fine and resolved, adding weight and textured mouthfeel. Quite savoury and earthy. Hint of spice and burning embers on finish. Very strong showing. Lasts for minutes, perfection with the duck.