La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2025

La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is the second wine of Château La Mission Haut-Brion in AOC Pessac-Léognan, the heart of the Graves in Bordeaux. The blend follows the classic Left Bank model of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate's deep gravel soils sit over clay and sand and are the key to the style: gravel drains freely and stores the day's heat, releasing it back at night to ripen the Cabernet fully, while the warmth of an urban-edged site brings the harvest forward and lends the wines their signature smoky, mineral depth. The maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Atlantic, gives a long ripening season that builds structure without overripeness. The wine is aged in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange knits the tannins and adds cedar, fine spice and a light toast. It pours a deep ruby. The nose shows blackcurrant and plum over tobacco, cocoa and the warm, smoky note typical of the Graves. The palate is structured and refined, the tannins firm but polished, the fruit and earth carrying a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast beef or lamb.