Parker about Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1981
The 1981 exhibits a more youthful purple hue to its dark plum color than any vintage back to 1970. Somewhat narrowly constructed for a La Mission-Haut-Brion, it reveals plenty of incense, blueberry, black currant and crushed rock notes intertwined with a restrained, smoky character. The wine is medium-bodied, fresh and crisp with good concentration as well as a surprising youthfulness. However, the vintage's deficiencies – a lack of heat and maturity – show up in the wine's modest power and concentration. The 1981 does not possess the great richness, depth and intensity of the finest vintages, but it is still an outstanding effort that has aged extremely well. It could hold up for another two decades, but there is no point in deferring gratification.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux Pessac-Léognan |
Rebsorten | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc |
Alkoholgehalt | 13.00% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Château La Mission Haut Brion, 67 Rue Peybouquey, 33400 Talence, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 1996 - 2036 |
Parker Punkte | 90 |
Jahrgang | 1981 |
Bordeaux Pessac-Léognan, France 🇫🇷

Goes well with

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1981

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1981 is an outstanding wine that masterfully embodies the essence of its vintage and the tradition of the Pessac-Léognan region. This wine demonstrates a remarkable balance between fruitiness, ripeness, and complexity.
It presents a deep ruby red with garnet reflections, emphasizing its maturity and depth. The bouquet is complex and expressive, with aromas of ripe red berries, blackcurrants, and plums, accompanied by notes of cedarwood, tobacco, leather, and a hint of truffle. Subtle hints of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a light smokiness, add additional depth and complexity to the wine.
On the palate, Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1981 presents an impressive structure and silky tannins. The fruit flavors are well preserved and are complemented by nuances of dark chocolate, mocha, and mineral notes. The acidity is superbly integrated, giving the wine a remarkable freshness and vibrancy that is present despite its age.
The finish is long and elegant, with lingering fruit and subtle spicy notes that delight the palate long after the last sip. The harmonious balance between fruit, tannin, and acidity demonstrates this wine's remarkable potential to retain its quality even after several decades.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1981 is a true delight and a testament to the longevity and excellence of this winery. A wine of exceptional refinement and beauty, it captures the tradition and quality of the Pessac-Léognan region in every bottle and delights wine lovers around the world.