1982 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 1982 La Mission Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have tasted several times. This bottle has a gorgeous, eucalyptus-tinged bouquet of black fruit plus hints of clove and bay leaf; a light marine scent emerges with aeration. The palate has a ripe pastille-like quality, dark cherries commingling with blackberry and cranberry. A lovely saline undertow lends sapidity on the harmonious finish. This does not equal the 1982 Haut-Brion and may have reached its peak in the late 1990s, but it remains the best La Mission Haut-Brion since the 1978. Tasted at the La Mission Haut Brion dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong. [Neal Martin, 16/09/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2035

Robert Parker 94

Tasted blind at Chez Bruce in London, a bottle of impeccable provenance-the 1982 La Mission Haut Brion-has proven to be a little variable in recent years. Here, it has a gorgeous bouquet that is very well defined, with dark berry fruit, potpourri and a hint of brine. It feels a little backward at first yet soon opens up, the fruit gaining more and more intensity until peaking at around 30-40 minutes. The palate displays firm structure on the entry, quite masculine with good grip. There is a fine, earthy character to this La Mission along with class and focus. Yet I found more sophistication on the 1982 La Tour Haut-Brion served alongside. It just does not quite deliver that killer blow on the finish that would have elevated it to the realms of, say, the 1989 or 1990. It is probably at its peak now but should continue that way for many years. Tasted June 2016. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035