2003 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Vinous 90

The 2003 La Mission Haut-Brion is one of the few examples of this infamous vintage that has improved in bottle, though it s still far from a first- or even second-tier La Mission. My most recent bottle displays all the tropes of that hot summer: black cherries, fig, singed leather and cooked meats. It does not have the delineation of the best vintages. The palate is reasonably well balanced with sweet black fruit, still displaying those fennel and garrigue notes. The finish is opulent yet slightly monotone. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux. [Neal Martin, 16/09/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2030

Robert Parker 93

The top wines of this vintage tend to be from St.-Emilion’s limestone hillsides and the corridor between St.-Julien and St.-Estephe, but the 2003 La Mission-Haut-Brion is a very successful effort from the south. Roasted herb, scorched earth, sweet black currant and tar-like aromas jump from the glass of this evolved, mature effort. While copious tannins are still present, the acid is low and the wine is loosely structured, complex, seductive, fleshy and full. It seems to be aging quickly, so owners are well-advised to check a bottle or two as it appears to be close to full maturity. The 2003 is unlikely to last as long as more classic vintages. [Robert Parker, 01/08/2012]