2006 Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

Every year there is a battle royal between the two outstanding wines from dapper owner Prince Robert of Luxembourg, with First Growth Haut-Brion tending just to come out on top. Not so in 2006 where La Mission is definitely the star of the show. Its 2006 has an incredible depth and focus, with subtle creamy new oak and intoxicating blackberry and plum fruit dancing across the palate with some delicacy. The incredibly long finish is as good as any outside of Ch. Latour. This displays its trademark silky, feminine elegance but in 2006 has added structure and multi-layered richness. Exquisite.

One of the vintage-s top wines is the 2006 La Mission-Haut-Brion. From bottle, it reminds me of the 1998, given its structure and backward style. Dense ruby/purple-colored, it possesses a boatload of tannin, but with coaxing, tobacco leaf, sweet black currant, burning ember, and blue fruit characteristics emerge. While thick and full-bodied, the tannins seem more elevated than I remember from barrel. It is going to be a beauty, but like many of the top 2006s, considerable patience is required.... Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Feb-2009)