A classically styled La Mission Haut-Brion from the 1997 vintage, offering a beautifully evolved expression of dark plum, tobacco leaf, cedar, spice, and subtle earthy minerality. The palate is medium-bodied and structured, with resolved tannins and a refined, slightly austere elegance that reflects its mature Left Bank character. Now fully developed, this is a wine of quiet depth and noble restraint, showing the signature gravitas of La Mission Haut-Brion in a more understated, contemplative style. A polished, mature Bordeaux for collectors who appreciate finesse over power.

The Wine Advocate | RP 87
Published: Apr 21, 2000
Drink: 2000-2012

This dark ruby/plum-colored wine offers a big, spicy, tobacco leaf, and black fruit-scented nose, lots of structure and tannin, good depth, medium body, and enough accessibility to be consumed now (although it will improve for 5-7 years and last for a dozen or more). 

Wine Spectator | WS 87
Published: Apr 21, 2000

Outstanding mineral and licorice character on the nose, but rather austere and lean. Medium body. Needs time to develop. Best after 2002.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Aug 30, 2005
Drink: 2007-2014

Deep, intense, healthy colour but quite developed at the rim. Clearly a step up from the Smith in terms of finesse, terroir and general care lavished on it. Still quite youthful and in absolutely no hurry to grow up. If this wine could speak it might have a rather annoying nasal drawl, it’s so confident and laid back. But – you’ve got to admire it. I think I’d still rather than 12 bottles of the Smith than six of this though… but then looked at as a buy compared with other vintages of La Mission, it is a bit of a steal. (JR)