# Château La Mission Haut-Brion (2021)

- **Producer:** Château La Mission Haut-Brion
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €315
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, red cherry, black plum, black cherry, cedar, smoke, vanilla, chocolate, earth, leather, forest floor, tobacco

## About this wine

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2021 is a red wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux, France. It is a Cru Classé de Graves, known for its structured and age-worthy wines. The estate is part of Domaine Clarence Dillon, which upholds a philosophy of quality, complexity, and longevity. The 2021 vintage, despite a challenging growing season, is noted for its balance and elegance, reflecting the unique gravel and clay terroir of its vineyard.

## Interesting facts

- The blend for 2021 is 47.9% Merlot, 45.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6.3% Cabernet Franc.
- The average vine age at the estate is 27 years.
- Harvest for the 2021 vintage took place from September 20th to October 8th.
- The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus to full body and fine-grained tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats. The wine's inherent structure can cut through fattiness, while its complexity can echo or contrast with savory elements in the dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2021 involves fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats with an emphasis on gentle extraction. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months, with a significant percentage of new oak used. The harvest for this vintage took place from late September to early October, benefiting from favorable late-season weather conditions. The estate's approach focuses on producing wines of complexity and longevity.