2006 Mission Haut Brion 1500ml

97 POINTS

James Suckling - Wine Spectator

This is so perfumed and pretty. Classy and elegant on the nose, with currant, light vanilla and a hint of lilac. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. All in finesse. Very impressive for the vintage; could be the wine of the vintage.

95 POINTS

Stephen Tanzer - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(a relatively high 14.3% alcohol) Saturated ruby-red. Knockout nose melds black plum, minerals, hot stones, tobacco and caramel. Lush, sweet and stuffed with fruit; a round, utterly seamless wine that offers superb palate coverage and an impressive mounting finish featuring sweet, fine-grained tannins and wonderful fullness of texture. This is remarkably explosive today considering that the 2006s here have recently been fined. Interestingly, enologist Jean-Philippe Masclet noted that the pHs of La Mission and Haut-Brion were higher in 2006 than in either 2007 or 2005-a testament to the advantages of the warm microclimate here and the ability to pick ripe fruit early. Even better than I thought it was a year ago.

94 POINTS

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

A somewhat under-the-radar La Mission, the 2006 was generally overlooked following the brilliance of the 2005. A young, dense purple-hued wine that is developing beautifully, it exhibits notes of Asian plum sauce, charcoal, barbecue smoke, roasted meats, graphite and background oak. Full-bodied with good acidity, moderate tannin and a vigorous, powerful youthfulness, the 2006 will age more quickly than the 2005, but it still requires another 5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated Maturity: 2014-2035.

94 POINTS

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion has a very attractive, captivating bouquet: red berry fruit, warm gravel, Hoisin and a pinch of truffle all beautifully conveyed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin that lend this La Mission such symmetry and detail. It is not a powerful wine, never pressing its foot down hard on the accelerator, but that is one of it strengths, and those black truffle and mineral notes surfacing towards the poised finish are entrancing. Classic from start to finish, the only facet that is missing is that peacock's tail on the finish. Tasted January 2016.

René Gabriel - WeinWisser

Toskanatouch, viel Pflaumen, Rauch. Fleischig, verschlossen. 18/20

Jancis Robinson MW

Dark and mysterious-looking. Aromatic and very sweet on the front palate with some spice and minerals. Very distinctive and ambitious. Super lively. Lots tucked in there. Very impressive. Drink 2015-2030 18/20

Jacques Dupont - Le Point

Fruits rouges, nez très charmeur et très pur, bouche ronde, élégante, tanins fermes, structure solide, un fruit très enjôleur, un vin avec beaucoup de charme reposant sur une bonne texture. 18/20