JD96-100: One of the finest wines in the vintage, the 2023 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is based on 52.7% Merlot, 29.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's one hell of a gorgeous wine offering a massive nose of black raspberries, graphite, liquid flowers, scorched earth, and chocolate-like aromas and flavors. It delivers remarkable purity, full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and fine-grained, sweet tannins. The overall balance paired with opulence here is something to behold, and it’s incredible to find this level of quality in the vintage.

Aromas of graphite. black currants, black cherries, blueberries, gravel and stones. Medium-bodied with muscular yet polished tannins that show tension. So classic, with a super-long, seamless finish. Salty and spicy at the end. 52.7% merlot, 29.6% cabernet sauvignon and 17.7% cabernet franc. Best after 2029. (James Suckling, 97 Points)