Wines Pessac-Léognan Château La Mission Haut-Brion - 1991

Viniou Reviews

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1991 is a classic left-bank Bordeaux red from the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation, renowned for wines of great depth and complexity. This vintage is a blend dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc. The 1991 vintage was marked by a cool growing season and a difficult late frost in April; as a result, yields were smaller and the wines show a more restrained style, with vibrant acidity, refined structure, and elegant tannins. The unique terroir of Graves, characterised by its gravelly soils mixed with clay and sand, imparts a notable minerality and allows for excellent drainage, promoting vine depth and complexity in the finished wine. Vinification at Château La Mission Haut-Brion is traditional, emphasising gentle extraction and careful ageing in a substantial proportion of new French oak barrels, lending the wine subtle notes of spice and polished tannin integration.

The wider region of Bordeaux and particularly Pessac-Léognan has a long and storied history, producing wines that have been celebrated for centuries. The climate is oceanic, moderated by the proximity of the Atlantic which brings mild winters and warm, sometimes humid summers. This maritime influence, coupled with the well-drained gravel soils, creates ideal conditions for complex, age-worthy reds. Pessac-Léognan’s historical pedigree is matched only by the distinctive personality of its wines, which balance the aromatic finesse of Cabernet Sauvignon with the plushness of Merlot and the aromatic lift of Cabernet Franc.

A matured Château La Mission Haut-Brion such as this 1991 vintage is best accompanied by refined dishes that match its tertiary aromas and silkier palate. Classic pairings include roast lamb with herbs, game birds such as pigeon or duck, or a rich mushroom and truffle risotto. Traditional Bordeaux cuisine such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard would also be excellent matches, drawing out the wine’s subtle earthy, leathery, and smoky notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature of 16–18°C. Decanting is recommended to help open up tertiary aromas, gently releasing notes of cigar box, undergrowth, and leather that characterise mature Bordeaux. Enjoy it in a large, tulip-shaped glass to appreciate its aromatic depth and lingering finish.