Ch La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2008
"There is a charming fragrance and elegance about the nose, first black fruits then fresher red. The palate is power packed, the rich black fruits lightened towards the back by fresher red ensuring an elegant length."
Score: 91-94 Derek Smedley MW

"43% Merlot, 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc.Dark crimson. Lightly fragrant with a hint of tea leaves. Now this is elegant! But it's rather different from old La Missions. Much more polished and suave. Once this puts on weight it should come into better balance. At the moment it's perhaps just a little too light, but is certainly marvellously pure and has a wonderful line along the palate."

Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com

"Bright and perfumed, with mineral, hot stone, fresh currant and blackberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Layered, chewy and structured. Solid for the vintage."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, Wine Spectator

"A blend of 43% Merlot, 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. This is more conservative on the nose than the Chateau Haut-Brion, but with time it begins to unfurl (at least ten minutes in the glass.) Blackberry, cedar, a touch of sandalwood - very tight, but it begins to blossom, developing hints of boysenberry and wild nettle. The palate is like a tight fist, austere and introverted, a moody bugger but there are some very fine tannins and structure towards the finish. A dark horse."
Score: 92-94.5+ Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com