Château La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé de Graves 2012

15% abv, Domaine Clarence Dillon, imported by Votto Vines, Hamden, CT. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: fruit day. 

Winemaking notes: 62% Merlot & 38% Cabernet Sauvignon from the holding of the estate: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot & 10% Cabernet Franc on 29 hectares. Aged in 74% new French oak barrels for two years. 

Tasting note: *Decanted for 4+ hours. The Pessac-Léognan is medium garnet in color with a clean nose of pronounced intensity with aromas of rose petal potpourri, plum tea, blackberry, black currant, kirsch, morello cherry, cream, vanilla, hazelnut, beer root, tobacco, clove, cedar, graphite and menthol. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acidity, medium+ tannin, high alcohol, pronounced flavor intensity and a long finish with flavors of rose hip, blackberry jam, red plum, sugar plum, red currant, black currant, dark cocoa, cedar, graphite, leather, marzipan, eucalyptus, black truffle, menthol, sage and marjoram. Drink now through 2036, this wine is outstanding: 9.7/10. Incredible complexity and length, this is showing really well now with a lot of primary and secondary character and an astounding complexity and graceful balance.