Viniou Reviews
Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1999, from the esteemed Pessac-Léognan appellation in Graves, Bordeaux, stands as a benchmark of Left Bank claret. This distinguished red is traditionally a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc lending aromatic complexity. The 1999 vintage was marked by a challenging season but ultimately rewarded the patient vigneron with ripe, nuanced fruit and balanced acidity. La Mission Haut-Brion’s meticulous vinification includes hand harvesting, rigorous selection, and fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, followed by élevage in fine French oak, a proportion being new, which endows the wine with a harmonious integration of wood and fruit over years of ageing.
Situated just outside Bordeaux city, Pessac-Léognan benefits from a temperate maritime climate, moderated by nearby forests and gravelly soils quintessential to Graves. These well-drained, heat-retentive gravels are ideal for producing refined, powerful reds with pronounced minerality and an elegant tannic structure. The estate itself boasts centuries-old vines and a storied legacy, repeatedly placing it among Bordeaux's elite for both its reds and outstanding whites. The 1999 vintage from this chateau displays evolved aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, cedar, subtle leather, and earthy truffle, underpinned by silky tannins and remarkable length.
Such a wine calls for food that respects its sophistication and complexity. It pairs beautifully with classic French dishes such as roast saddle of lamb, duck breast with blackcurrant reduction, or even a tournedos Rossini. Regional specialties like Bordeaux-style entrecôte à la moelle (bone marrow steak) or confit de canard harmonise with its savoury depth. Matured cheeses, notably aged Comté or Cantal, are also ideal accompaniments.
For tasting, decant gently for an hour to allow the wine to unfurl its bouquet without losing the subtleties developed over two decades of ageing. Serve at 16-18°C to let the aromatics and palate texture express the full grandeur of this iconic Bordeaux.
