The 2016 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion is a blend of 36.5% Merlot, 21.5% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon picked from 19 September to 14 October. Matured in 23% new oak, it has a very succinct bouquet with tensile black cherry and pressed flower aromas, subtle at first but soon gaining intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, very precise and focused with razor-sharp definition. This is one of the most sophisticated La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion releases that I have tasted from barrel and it bodes well for the future. I expect this will nudge past the 2015 once in bottle. Let's see!
91-93 points
The 2016 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is a striking second wine. Medium in body, but certainly not lacking in depth, the 2016 speaks to balance and feel above all else. Gravel and floral notes lead into a core of intense dark red cherry/raspberry fruit, licorice and dried flowers. There is wonderful depth and density here, but also a refreshing sense of grace.
90-93 points
Deep colour. Fresh dark berry, black olive, graphite aromas with espresso oak notes. Well concentrated wine with deep set blackberry, grilled almond, vanilla flavours, plentiful fine tannins. Builds up brambly firm. Almost gritty. Tasted at Ch Haut Brion.
92 points
"The 2016 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has a tight, reticent nose at the moment, perhaps just a little closed down in winter. The harmonious palate is more open, offering fine-grained tannin, black cherry and bilberry fruit laced with white pepper, and a touch of tobacco on the finish, which shows fine persistence. This La Chapelle will benefit from a couple of years in bottle. 2022-2034"
90 Points, Vinous
"Attractive, earthy and cedary aromas across ripe, mixed berries, leading to a deep-set palate with succulent and approachable tannins that deliver a very long, succulent and flavorful finish. Holds bright, fresh and long. Second wine of Château La Mission-Haut-Brion. Try from 2023."
94 Points, JamesSuckling.com
