2019, Château La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, PÉSSAC-LEOGNANThe 2019 La Mission Haut Brion Blanc has quite an intense nose with apple blossom, flint and slice Williams pear scents that develop with aeration. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, quite steely with a gooseberry and spicy finish that is driven by the Sauvignon Blanc. It's backward and close but the breeding is there. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 94+ Neal Martin, Vinous (2023). The 2019 La Mission Haut Brion Blanc is

94+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown

but potential quality was high

This will give it to you in spades starting with a stunning toasty oak

powdery and softly chewy on the palate

it's lively and succulent

the nose is completely locked-down to start

The palate is medium-bodied with fine density and precision

well formed

it's vibrant and concentrated

but well worked and enjoyable

It still shows the effect of the élevage a bit

Arthur Coggill: Plum tomato leaf aromas