La Mission Haut Brion 2009

The 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion has a very harmonious bouquet with detailed blackberry, raspberry, warm gravel and hints of leather, gaining intensity with aeration. The warmth of the summer comes through, although it does not impede upon the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, not quite as finessed as the nose suggest. Hints of juniper and bay leaf infuse the melted red fruit towards the persistent finish, though it does not deliver the killer knockout blow. Very seductive though. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.