Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc 2017

Professional Ratings

• 100 Decanter
  For me this is the wine of the vintage. Both of the whites in the Haut-Brion stable are exceptionally well sculpted and finessed, but this has the aromatic edge. It has a powerful, intense concentration of flavours, hemmed in by slate walls that make you slow down and inch your way through the palate - and I am more than happy to go as slow as possible. The cool nights over the summer have been very kind to these grapes; they are in full control, with luscious, creamy citrus, passion fruit, nectarine, white pear and touches of lemongrass. It's persistent and mouthwatering, an absolute testament to what white Bordeaux can achieve. 40% new oak.
  Barrel Sample: 98-100
• 97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  A blend of 23.8% Sauvignon Blanc and 76.2% Sémillon, the 2017 Blanc takes its time uncoiling from its tightly wound state, slowly revealing nuances of lemon tart, lime blossoms, green mango and jasmine with touches of cedar chest and sea spray. Medium-bodied, the palate has a beautifully expressed, quiet intensity, featuring loads of subtle mineral and citrus layers, finishing long and chalky. Beautiful.

• 97 Wine Enthusiast

  This rich, open wine has both acidity and impressively ripe white and yellow-fruit flavors. The creaminess creates a sense of richness underlined by the wood aging. This is a balanced wine, already well integrated and likely to age well. Drink from 2024.

• 97 Wine Spectator

  Rich and racy at the same time, with a broad range of Key lime, white peach, yellow apple, verbena and meringue notes all woven together seamlessly, backed by a citrus oil accent on the lengthy, straw- and brioche-tinged finish. The finish shows terrific cut and drive despite the obvious richness. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Best from 2023 through 2040.

• 96 James Suckling

  Candied lemon with sliced apples, pears and stones with some lemon-grass and bay-leaf notes. Full-bodied, creamy and textured with a tight and focused palate that goes on for minutes. Shows great length and beauty. Very tight. Needs at least five years to open. Better after 2025.

• 94 Jeb Dunnuck

  The 2017 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Blanc is a winner and has a racy, concentrated, age-worthy vibe that's going to benefit from bottle age. Tart peach, pineapple, white flowers, and a terrific minerality all flow to a medium-bodied, elegant, concentrated white that's flawlessly balanced. It shows the elegant, tight, yet classic style of the vintage. Rating: 94+