La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 2020

100 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion is a brilliant effort that exhibits a level of balance and integration that are impressive in such a powerful young Bordeaux. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with burning embers, pencil shavings, violets and smoked black tea, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered, elegantly muscular profile, its brooding core of fruit framed by a generous endowment of powdery tannin that tempers the ripeness of the vintage. Checking in at 14.7% alcohol, it's nonetheless more classically styled than the more flamboyant 2019 vintage or even the slowly maturing 2010 which I re-tasted alongside for context. Drink: 2035-2065. (4/6/23)"

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lastly, the Grand Vin 2020 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is cut from the same cloth as the La Chapelle, only it brings more of everything. Black raspberries, cassis, ripe cherries, sandalwood, smoked tobacco, and acacia flowers are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless, sexy mouthfeel, remarkable tannins, and a great, great finish. The level of purity, finesse, and elegance, paired with incredible concentration, is something to behold. Give bottles just 5-7 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following half a century. The blend is 48.6% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, hitting a natural alcohol of 14.7%. Drink: 2030-2080. (3/29/23)"

99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 48.6% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8.2% Cabernet Franc, with a pH of 3.85. After a swirl or two, the nose blossoms with an alluring array of black cherries, kirsch, and blackcurrant jelly scents, followed by hints of rose oil, sandalwood, tree bark, and Indian spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is densely laden with muscular black fruits, supported by firm, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2028-2068. (3/12/23)"

99 points James Suckling: "Perfectly ripe black and blue berries on the nose with blackcurrants, too. Crushed fruit. Complex and perfect. Full and intense. You feel the intensity of the tannins, yet it is not overpowering. They are in a sophisticated and elegant state. Muscular and formed finish. Gorgeous in every sense of the word. Strength with finesse. Drink after 2030. (3/29/23)"

97-99 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Dark in color, the wine pops with its profile of Cuban cigars, black currants, camphor, spice, tar and smoke. Full-bodied, powerful, long and rich, the wine builds as it intensifies on your palate. There is length, intensity and layers of mineral-driven, dark red pit fruits with lift and persistency in the extended finish. The wine demands 12-15 years of aging and will evolve for at least 3-4 decades after that. The wine blends 48.6% Merlot , 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.2% Cabernet Franc , 14.7% ABV. Harvesting took place, September 7, September 29. (May 2021)"

97-99 points Wine Enthusiast.

98 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(48.6% Merlot, 42.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.2% Cabernet Franc). Grips from the first moment, lashings of damson, cassis, brownie, chocolate shavings, espresso, pencil lead, plum pudding, incense, the is muscular but juicy, totally mouthwatering, real tension and depth, powerful but restrained. Gets better and better the more you go back to it, building in floral notes, lives up to its En Primeur promise. Harvest from 7th to 29th September. Alcohol 14.7%. Drink: 2027-2048. (12/2/22)"

98 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion has a detailed bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, black olive, terracotta and a light wet clayey scent (I sometimes think of a potter's wheel.) It gains complexity in the glass and becomes increasingly refined. The palate is beautifully balanced and caters for the 14.7% alcohol with ease. Very fine tannins, perfectly matched with the acidity, beguiling in terms of its cohesive and velvety smooth finish that lingers long in the mouth. The greatest La Missions are the effortless ones and the 2020 is just that. Beautiful. Drink: 2028-2060. (Feb 2023)"

98 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, deep core, delicate rim brightening. Attractive black berry fruit, a touch of juniper, dark cherries, delicate hints of nougat, fresh orange zest. Juicy, ripe cherries and plums, fine, silky tannins, finesse-rich acidity, salty minerality, very balanced, lingers long, a delicate wine with good drinking appeal and certain ageing potential. 2025-2065. (2/22/23)"