Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2011, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux – France

About– In 1682, the Lazarist Fathers, a community founded by Saint Vincent de Paul, received the estate as a legacy from Madame Olive de Lestonnac. The monks worked hard for over a century to restore the estate to its former glory. Subsequent owners – a series of illustrious families – followed their example, up to and including the purchase by Domaine Clarence Dillon in1983. The owner of La Mission also own Château Haut-Brion which is a First Growth.

Blend/Grape Varietal– 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc.

Tasting Notes– The 2011 is a big, sexy, smoky, classic La Mission displaying lots of road tar, graphite, barbecue, meats, mulberry, black currant and blueberry notes. It is full-bodied with sweet tannin as well as an expansive, fleshy style.