La Mission Haut Brion 1999

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A deep garnet colour with just a little maturation on the rim. The nose is a little one-dimensional compared to the ’02, but with time develops an attractive spicy dimension with a dash of white pepper. The palate is impressive with pure black fruits, a touch of spice and black pepper, good tension and very good focus and delineation on the finish. I certainly prefer this to the 2002 with nice tang of bitter red-berried fruit on the after-taste. Every time I encounter this wine it get better! Drink 2012-2030. Tasted May 2008.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is a multi-textured, thick, juicy, dense purple-colored 1999 with generous amounts of La Mission's chocolatey, scorched earth, black fruit character. Medium to full-bodied, with low acidity, this sexy, opulent, stunning effort will drink well for 14-15 years.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted three times. Showing massive grip and exotic out of barrel, then more elegant in November 2003 when it was masculine and chewy. Then in November 2004. I have to say that juxtaposed against other Graves, La Mission was no leaps and bounds greater than less illustrious names. Still, it is an excellent wine. A ripe nose, quite feminine, of blackberry, mocha and smoke. Quite alluring. The palate is medium-bodied: sweet, very pure with layers of black cherry and vanillary oak. Good acidity. Chewy tannins. It has closed down since its "exotic" en primeur showing. Flattering but not profound like Haut-Brion (though that can change, especially with La Mission.) Maybe time will countenance this wine. Drink from 2010 to 2020.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Made in a lighter style, the fully mature 1999 reveals notes of beef blood, roasted herbs, black truffles, damp earth and black currants intermixed with hints of espresso and spice box. This medium-bodied, velvety textured, lush La Mission should hold nicely for a decade in a cold cellar.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Elegant, smoky, black currant and blueberry-like aromas reveal complexity, finesse, and purity. On the palate, the wine is harmonious, medium-bodied, concentrated, and stylish. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. This bottle is showing less bravura than the one at the La Mission vertical last May. It has a relative, light leafy bouquet with dried herbs, a touch of singed leather, some mint developing with aeration that I hitherto have not noticed. The palate is medium-bodied, grainy entry, nice purity on the entry, firm tannins – good backbone here with a touch of savoury fruit towards the finish that has been shaved of the persistency it exhibited before. Foursquare but very well defined. Excellent. Drink now-2025. Tasted June 2009.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The medium to full-bodied 1999 La Mission Haut Brion is beautifully complex, with notes of cherry liqueur, plums, cigar smoke, fresh tobacco, and scorched earth. This deep, elegant, yet precise wine is cut from the same mold as the 1962, 1971, 1983, and 1985. Though not a heavyweight, it is gorgeously complex, supple, and both hedonistic and intellectual. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.