La Chapelle de La Mission 2011

Elegant and balanced, easy to digest, smooth, with a pleasant spiciness.

The 2011 La Chapelle de La Mission reveals abundant amounts of round, generous black cherry and black currant fruit, intertwined with hints of gravel and earth, sweet tannins, decent but unobtrusive acidity, and a nicely textured, lush mouthfeel. It is perfect for drinking now and over the next 10–15 years. Jean-Philippe Delmas continues to quietly and authoritatively turn out one great wine after another at La Mission-Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion.

Offers a tarry feel and good drive, with kirsch, blackberry and bramble notes entwined at the core. The lingering tobacco edge hangs on the rugged finish. Should open up sooner rather than later. Drink now through 2021.

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.

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.

Sweet vanilla-laced cassis fruit on the nose. Silky, fresh and elegant until the end, then a little tough on the finish. (JH)

Bright red. Blackberry and strawberry on the nose. Strong acidity gives this wine a slightly tart quality but there's also good clarity and floral lift to the red fruit flavors. Closes on a vanilla note, with good length and soft tannins. No green or harsh elements here at all but ultimately this is a very simple La Chapelle.

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, broad rim brightening. Ripe cherry fruit with a hint of nougat, fine savoury tobacco notes. Juicy and fresh, with elegant, well-integrated tannins, already well developed, can be enjoyed straight away.

Dark garnet, fairly dense at the core, ruby rim. Sleek, floral bouquet with delicate inky notes, rather cool on the attack. On the extract, red plum skins, fine bitter nuances, mealy tannins; remains slender through to the finish, yet elegant. This year it doesn’t quite manage to fully convey its great pedigree.

Velvety, medium-bodied, dark bouquet with plums, dried fruit, mocha. Silky, medium-bodied palate with delicate fruit, slightly sandy tannins, good aromatics, a firm, sinewy structure, and a full finish. 17/20 2017 - 2028

Dark color with good intensity. Refined nose, fruity, fresh and smoky. Juicy on the palate, rounded, with good body and flavorful. Finish with slightly firm tannins that will soften with ageing.