2006 Mission Haut-Brion La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion

Tasted in London at a supper with friends back in the early part of the year, and it has remained in my memory ever since. One of the most consistently brilliant 2nd wines of Bordeaux, although made in tiny quantities so one of the few bottles that it truly pays to buy En Primeur. Still inky in colour at 15 years old, touches of undergrowth, sandalwood and turmeric spice, ripe tannins and velvety blackberry fruits, with the shot of peony and lilac flower that makes La Chapelle such a standout wine. 31% new oak. Harvest September 2 to 29.