Located directly across the road from First Growth Château Haut-Brion, La Mission was excluded from the famous ranking simply because the classification largely stopped at the borders of the Médoc. Collectors have spent the generations since correcting that omission. La Mission is routinely regarded as Bordeaux's unofficial "sixth First Growth," with a track record that can rival the five estates officially holding the title.

The relationship with Haut-Brion goes well beyond geography. Since 1983, both estates have belonged to the Dillon family, yet La Mission remains unmistakably its own wine. Its deep gravel soils in Pessac-Léognan produce the château's signature combination of smoke, graphite, dark fruit, and tremendous structure, and the exceptional 2016 vintage delivered all of it. An unusual Merlot-led blend of 57.5% Merlot and 42.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged in 78% new French oak and bottled at 14% alcohol.

This is serious, cellar-worthy Bordeaux: blackcurrant, black cherry, violet, tobacco, cedar, crushed stone, and dark chocolate, wrapped around dense but beautifully polished tannins. The critical response was enormous, including 99 points from Vinous and 98 points from Wine Advocate, Decanter, and Jeb Dunnuck. For collectors, 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion represents one of Bordeaux's great paradoxes: a First Growth in virtually everything but name.

Provenance Guarantee

This wine comes with an unimpeachable provenance:

• Purchased Ex Chateau En Primeur in 2017
• Released between June 2018 and March 2019
• 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 as futures in 2017. Upon release from the châteaux 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.

Authenticity Assured

Every bottle is delivered with a SommSelect Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring the wine's traceability and optimal storage conditions throughout its journey.This offering represents a true collector's dream - a chance to own a piece of Bordeaux history that promises to be both an exceptional investment and a testament to the pinnacle of winemaking craft.