Wines Pessac-Léognan Château La Mission Haut-Brion - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2022 from the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Graves is an exceptional Bordeaux red, widely recognised for its elegance, complexity, and depth. The blend is typically dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Cabernet Franc, and the 2022 vintage promises richness and finesse due to the favourable climatic conditions of the year. The vineyard’s gravelly soils and meticulous vinification practices, including hand harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and long maturation in French oak barrels, ensure a wine of remarkable structure and harmony. Expect a nose that unfolds with dark berry fruit, hints of graphite, tobacco, and violet, followed by a palate that marries power and suppleness, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lingering, complex finish.

Pessac-Léognan lies at the northern edge of the Graves region, just south of Bordeaux city. The terroir is uniquely distinguished by its well-drained gravel soils, which impart a signature minerality and concentration to the wines. The mild, temperate climate, influenced by rivers and Atlantic breezes, ensures even ripening and balances acidity with ripe, expressive fruit. The history of the region is rich, with viticulture tracing back to the Middle Ages, and today it is home to some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates, including Château La Mission Haut-Brion, renowned for crafting wines of both structure and subtlety.

For food pairings, this Pessac-Léognan is a superb companion to classic French cuisine. Consider serving it with roast lamb with herbs, duck breast in a red wine reduction, or an entrecôte steak bordelaise. Local dishes like confit de canard or a hearty cassoulet will also work beautifully, as will aged hard cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty, which complement the wine’s depth and complexity.

To appreciate Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2022 at its best, serve at a temperature of 16-18°C after decanting for at least one to two hours to allow the wine’s aromas and structure to fully develop. This bottle has excellent ageing potential, but if opened young, careful aeration will enhance your tasting experience.