La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion Pessac Leognan 2011 750ml

I love the aromatics on this. Clear spice, some fig and cinnamon exoticism but set against fine tannins and a ton of juice. An elegant La Mission, not the most opulent texture of vintages at this estate, but it is open and would be extremely pleasurable to drink now. Touches of damson and black cherry fruit also as it opens further, a lovely La Chapelle, perhaps the most appealing right now of the second wines of the firsts. Easy to recommend. 35% new oak.

• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Graves
• Sub Appellation: Pessac Leognan
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world’s finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six ‘official’ Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act ”“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.