Description
La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion 2012 (JS92) (WA90)
La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is the red second wine of Château La Mission Haut-Brion, drawn from the same top gravel terroirs of Pessac-Léognan and echoing the Grand Vin’s smoky, mineral elegance. The 2012 vintage is now in a beautiful drinking window, showing layered dark fruits, tobacco and graphite with supple, polished tannins and classic Graves complexity, with further cellaring potential.
Winemaking & Style
Sourced from younger vines and selected parcels of the La Mission Haut-Brion estate on deep gravel over clay, giving signature smoky minerality.
Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested by plot, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel or concrete vats with gentle extraction.
Aged around 12–16 months in French oak barrels, with a lower proportion of new oak than the Grand Vin to retain fruit purity and approachability.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep ruby with garnet highlights at the rim.
Aroma: Cassis, black cherry and red plum, layered with tobacco leaf, graphite, pencil shavings, gentle smoke, vanilla and a touch of leather.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied, combining ripe dark and red fruits with fine, velvety tannins; fresh acidity carries notes of minerals, smoke and spice through the mid-palate, finishing long with hints of tobacco and dark chocolate.
Ratings & Accolades
James Suckling: 92 points — pure dark fruits, stones and a harmonious, elegant finish.
Wine Advocate: 90 points — sweet raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, subtle earth and spice, supple tannins and an opulent, fleshy mouthfeel.
Vinous: around 90–91 points — smoke, graphite, cured meat and dark fruit, with firm but refined tannins for mid-term aging.
Decanting time: 60–90 minutes
Serving temperature: 16–18°C
Suggested pairings: Charcoal-grilled ribeye, black pepper beef, red wine braised short ribs, black truffle mushroom pasta, roast lamb rack, roast spring chicken, honey-glazed duck, Chinese cured-meat claypot rice.
Special Notes: Second label of Château La Mission Haut-Brion since 1991, crafted from younger vines and carefully selected estate parcels; earlier-drinking than the Grand Vin yet clearly expresses Pessac-Léognan’s smoky gravel and mineral-driven style. The 2012 is entering its peak now and, under good cellaring, should continue to evolve for another 8–10 years with more leather, cigar box and dried-fruit complexity.
Region: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Léognan
Type: Red Wine
Grape Variety: Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14%
Volume: 750ml