2010 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion, Pessac Leognan

The 2010 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion actually has 14.8% alcohol but you really wouldn’t know it, such is the level of concentration. Stunning aromas of ripe, berry fruits leap from the glass, while on the palate there is an almost chocolate texture from the superbly ripe tannins and viscous layer of fruit. Beautifully balancing acidity and a long, long finish complete the picture; and this is the property’s second wine!
(Alun Griffiths MW, BBR Wine Director)Château La Mission-Haut-Brion

Lovely fragrance from Cabernet Franc, depth and harmony An expressive and elegant La Chapelle by la Mission-Haut-Brion for the 2010 vintage .
(Steven Spurrier – Decanter – Apr 2011)

17% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc. Dark lustrous crimson. Ripe sumptuous, top-quality nose. Very sumptuous and almost forward. Only on the end is one aware of the tannin and acidity. Very polished tannins until a slight stringiness on the finish betrays that this is not the grand vin. Chewy finish. But the fruit just goes on and on. Really pretty special stuff, apparently plumped out a bit. Will we see a third wine then?
(Jancis Robinson MW- jancis robinson.com 11 Apr 2011)

The 2010 La Chapelle de la Mission, which includes the production from the now-extinct La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard, is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, which is a high percentage for the latter grape. Fleshy, succulent and opulent along the lines of the 2009 (which did surprise me ), it is a big wine, with boatloads of glycerin and a classic Graves character of scorched earth, burning embers, charcoal, and plenty of black cherry and black currant fruit. The glycerin level is high, the fruit level impressive, and the purity and texture endearing. Drink it over the next 15 or so years.
(93 Robert Parker- Wine Advocate- Feb 2013)

La Chapelle de la Mission: The finest La Chapelle de la Mission ever made (this cuvee now includes the production from the now extinct La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard), the 2010 is composed of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. With amazing viscosity, a thick, earthy, forest-scented nose and copious quantities of black fruits and minerality, plus full body and supple tannins, it should drink well for 15 or more years.
(91-94 Robert Parker- Wine Advocate- May 2011)

Offers a very sleek, seamless feel, with a rush of violet and pastis notes and a dense, sappy, plum-filled finish. Not as overtly bright as many other 2010s, but you know the freshness is there since this is big yet light on its feet. Tasted non-blind.
(James Molesworth – The Wine Spectator – Apr 2011)