Castle La Mission Haut Brion - Pessac-Léognan 2002

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe11/13/2009

Tasted blind at Farr’s 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This has a reserved tertiary nose, lots of autumnal scents: bonfires, brown leaves, sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied, tannic and forthright on the entry, notes of blackberry, raspberry, sandalwood and a touch of spice, leading to a vibrant but foursquare finish that would benefit from a little more length and conviction. Tasted October 2009.

Jancis Robinson

16.50 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe10/13/2009

Sweet and malty. A bit austere. Youthful. Lots of acidity on the end. A little awkward at this stage. Drink 2012-20

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

This angularly-styled La Mission possesses hard tannin that may or may not dissipate over time. It exhibits a dark ruby color in addition to a sweet perfume of dusty, loamy soil notes interwoven with notions of white flowers, blueberries, black currants, and hints of toasty oak in the background. Medium-bodied and austere, it requires 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15. Drink 2007-2020

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2005

Bright aromas of blackberries, cherries, currants and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins. Long and silky. Racy. Best after 2009.

Wine Advocate

89-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe10/30/2003

Extensive amounts of dry tannin in the finish may prove to be a liability after bottling. Nevertheless, this 2002 possesses plenty of power, a dense ruby/purple color, and a sweet nose of hot rocks intermixed with black currants, plums, cherries, and spice box. Medium-bodied and tannic, it cuts a large swath across the palate. The tannin will need to be monitored. If it becomes better integrated, this wine will be outstanding as well as long-lived. At this stage, it is similar in structure to the 1996 and 1988. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.

La Revue du Vin de France

14-15 / 20

the6/30/2003

Robe profonde et brillante, le nez dévoile un fruité croquant. Bouche longue, fraiche et vigoureuse. Il y a cependant une dimension d'écart avec Haut Brion