Directly across the road from Château Haut-Brion lies one of Bordeaux’s great estates: Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Although never included in the 1855 Classification, La Mission has long occupied rarefied territory among collectors, producing wines capable of standing alongside Bordeaux’s First Growths. In the extraordinary 2005 vintage, the estate produced one of the defining wines of its modern history.

The 2005 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is an unusually Merlot-driven blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. That high proportion of Merlot gives the wine tremendous richness and texture, but underneath sits the unmistakable character of Pessac-Léognan. Blackberry and cassis are layered with tobacco, graphite, truffle, warm gravel, smoke, and savory complexity. The palate is immensely concentrated, with powerful yet remarkably polished tannins and the freshness necessary to carry all that richness through an exceptionally long finish.

Two decades after harvest, the 2005 is only beginning to enter its prime. Robert Parker and Antonio Galloni have both awarded the wine 100 points, while other major critics have placed it close behind. More important is what remains in the bottle: the structure, concentration, and energy to continue evolving for decades. Great La Mission has always occupied a fascinating place in Bordeaux, technically outside the First Growth hierarchy yet capable of producing wines at that level. The monumental 2005 makes the case better than almost any vintage.

Critical Acclaim

100 Points, Vinous

"The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. Effusive aromatics and bright, red-toned fruit make a strong first impression. A wine of vertical intensity and explosive energy, the 2005 is a towering masterpiece. Today it is just at the beginning of a long drinking window that will last another few decades. Red cherry, plum, leather, spice, gravel, smoke, blood orange and pomegranate infuse the palate-staining finish. In 2005, La Mission is a wine that satisfies all the senses, from the intellectual to the hedonistic. Magnificent. Drink 2021 - 2055"

100 Points, Wine Advocate

"The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection. It has an absolutely extraordinary nose of sweet blackberries, cassis and spring flowers with some underlying minerality, a full-bodied mouthfeel, gorgeously velvety tannins (which is unusual in this vintage) and a long, textured, multi-layered finish that must last 50+ seconds. This is a fabulous wine and a great effort from this hallowed terroir. Drink this modern-day legend over the next 30+ years. Only 5,500 cases were produced of this blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc."

Provenance Guarantee

This wine comes with an unimpeachable provenance:

• Purchased Ex Chateau En Primeur in 2017
• Stored at Dartess in Bordeaux
• Transferred to London City Bond in February 2020
• Kept in original packaging, undisturbed case

Impeccable Provenance

These wines were acquired through an approved Bordeaux négociant in 2017. Between June 2018 and March 2019, they were stored at Dartess in Bordeaux before being transferred to London City Bond in February 2020. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Bordeaux history. With limited quantities available, these wines represent the perfect gift for the discerning oenophile or a treasured addition to any cellar.