2020 Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion

The 2020 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is very controlled and more backward on the nose compared to its peers, featuring blackberry, raspberry, damp earth and light black olive aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm but fine tannins. There is a strong marine influence here with a dab of licorice on the finish. This needs time to find its groove, but it will. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

A particularly successful effort, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis, burning embers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's layered and integrated, with a fleshy core, powdery structuring tannins and good tension.

Looking at the reds, the 2020 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion is flat-out stunning and unquestionably a great wine in its own right. Cassis, black raspberries, tobacco, and sandalwood are just some of its nuances, and it's medium to full-bodied, with incredible elegance, fine tannins, and a great finish. In general, 2020 isn't the best vintage for the second wines, but you wouldn't know that from tasting this beauty.