Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 1998

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is really classic in style with incredible depth and power. Muscular and amazing, it is full-bodied yet tight and agile. So complex. Shows iodine, oyster, stone and mint aromas and flavors. It's rich and flavorful and at the same time fresh and racy. A modern classic. Drink or hold. Decant this one or two hours in advance."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Just a spectacular wine in every sense, the 1998 is now fully mature yet still youthful, with a vivid ruby hue and little in the way of any bricking. Offering a kaleidoscope-like nose of red and black currants, scorched earth, truffles, tobacco, lead pencil, and ample crushed stone-like minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, sweet tannins, and a thrilling finish. It needs about an hour in a decanter, but this is magical juice, and the bottle was emptied in record time. Count yourself lucky if you have bottles and enjoy any time over the coming 20-30 years."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The last 5 years have really added a lot to this wine. Now, you find more weight density and softness, as well as more nuances. Packed with smoke, cigar box, tobacco leaf, and spicy currants, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and rich, the mouth-filling layers of fruit, build and expand, only leaving you after a long finish. If you are seeking an LMHB that is just about ready to go, this is the wine to buy! Drink from 2023-2045."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 1998 La Mission Haut-Brion is deep garnet-brick colored with a pretty perfume of potpourri, spice box, menthol, sandalwood, tobacco and new leather. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant with tons of fragrant layers, finishing with loads of mineral and tons of energy. Drink up to 2030."

WEINWISSER: "Recht dunkles Granat, sehr satt in der Mitte. Wildes Cabernet-Bouquet, noch etwas verhalten, zeigt trotzdem eine schöne, trüffelige Tiefe im schwarzpflaumigen Nasenbild an. Im jungen Gaumen noch vordergründig, nicht wahnsinnig dicht, aber mit den Mission- Jahrgängen 1995 und 1996 locker mithalmithaltend. Der Körper ist mittelgewichtig und so gelingt es den Tanninen, sich noch ziemlich charaktervoll in der noch verlangenden Adstringenz zu zeigen. Noch viel zu jung. Wer ihn jetzt schon geniessen will, sollte ihn lang dekantieren. Typischer Mission – eine Kaufempfehlung."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very dark ruby color still. The nose is deep and dense, with intense aromas of licorice, blackberry, warm stones and a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with flavors of berries, iodine and chocolate. The tannin structure builds on the palate. Still needs to come together. A baby.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2012. 6,500 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Bright crimson. Very sweet and opulent on the nose – broad and round. Truly magnificent bouquet already although the palate is a bit austere. Tannins quite pronounced and dry fruit. Difficult to mark this wine – just smell it for the moment! Neat, well balanced on the finish. Just needs a little time for those tannins to soften…"