La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion 2011 is a smooth, elegant Bordeaux blend packed with juicy black cherry and plum flavors, balanced by soft tannins and a touch of spice. Its a great wine to enjoy now or cellar for a few more years if you want it to develop even more depth. Perfect if you like refined, classic right-bank Bordeaux with a silky finish.

Decanter| D 93
Published: Feb 19, 2021
Drink: 2021-2032

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.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 12% Cabernet Franc 19% Cabernet Sauvignon 69% Merlot

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Feb 18, 2014

This is very, very pretty, with plum, chocolate and cedar, plus hints of sweet tobacco. Full, very soft tannins. Savory and juicy. Delicious already, and hard not to drink it, but better in 2017.

The Wine Advocate| RP 88
Published: Apr 30, 2014
Drink: 2014-2029

The 2011 La Chapelle de La Mission reveals abundant quantities of round, generous, black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of gravel and earth, sweet tannin, decent but unobtrusive acidity, and a nicely textured, lush mouthfeel. It is perfect for drinking now and over the next 10-15 years.

Mission-haut-brion.com

Produced in small quantities, this second wine is a gateway to the world of Chteau La Mission Haut-Brion. Its name is a nod to the chapel of La Mission Haut-Brion, built by Lazarist priests in 1698.

2011 Tasting notes
Beautiful deep, dark, red colour. La Chapelle has a nose of ripe black fruit and spice.
It starts off very smooth on the palate, then gives way to a tannic structure which confirms the impression of weight promised by its deep color. Barrel ageing will impart further softening to develop all the character of a great wine.

The weather
One of the characteristics of 2011 was an extremely dry spring. Based on the measured rainfall in April, May and June this was the driest spring since 1949.Happily, summer brought some rain which allowed the vine to continue its growth. With a dry September, we were able to harvest in optimal conditions.