PV Tasting Notes
This wine has a very solid backbone structure, possibly due to the large content of Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a bit like the 2005 vintage, all power and muscle, but there is a gorgeous perfume of blackberry fruit, scorched earth and a hint of truffle. The palate is full bodied with high tannin levels which will take time to soften, while this wine is well endowed I do not think it will provide much pleasure in its youth, this is a wine for your children’s children, one which is ideal for long term storage, with the strong possibility of good returns on investment, but you’ll have to wait.
Independent Review94 Points Robert Parker The Wine Advocate May 2011
This glorious offering possesses sweet tobacco leaf, black currant, mocha, white chocolate, scorched earth and burning ember-like characteristics. Full-bodied, stunningly rich and exceptionally well-endowed, this blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc demands 2-3 years of additional bottle age. It should age gracefully for 35-40 years.
94-96+ points Robert Parker The Wine Advocate April 2009
Another property that is harvested very late (September 23-October 17), the 2008 La Mission-Haut-Brion is a powerful, backward effort that is not yet fully expressing itself. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, it reveals a deep blue/purple hue in addition to sumptuous aromas of melted asphalt, graphite, blueberries, and black currant liqueur. Dense, with high but velvety tannins, top-flight purity, and a full-bodied, backward, formidably endowed style, this beauty seems to be set for a long life. It is difficult to compare 2008 with any other recent vintage, but the closest would probably be 1998. A La Mission made for four decades or more of cellaring, it is a top-notch effort that should improve during the elevage in barrel.
92-94+ points Neal Martin The Wine Advocate April 2009
A blend of 43% Merlot, 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. This is more conservative on the nose than the Chateau Haut-Brion, but with time it begins to unfurl (at least ten minutes in the glass.) Blackberry, cedar, a touch of sandalwood – very tight, but it begins to blossom, developing hints of boysenberry and wild nettle. The palate is like a tight fist, austere and introverted, a moody bugger but there are some very fine tannins and structure towards the finish. A dark horse. Tasted April 2009.