Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves, 2012

Fine depth of colour and has the earthy/Graves nose of La Chapelle but a better expression of fruit, very polished and ripe due to 62% Merlot, but time is needed to dominate the fine but rather firm tannins.

Ripe roasted fruit with considerable extract and personality. Full, powerful mid-palate and length of flavour. This benefited in 2012 from the property’s early-ripening terroir.