Château LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 1987
The sister property of Château Haut Brion tends to trump its most illustrious brother. Owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon S.A., the vineyards of La Mission are located in the same suburbs as those of Haut Brion on rumps of deep gravel interspersed with clay. The grape is no different in red wine (48% Cabernet, 45% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc) although Haut Brion Blanc (formerly Laville Haut Brion) has much more Semillon in the blend than Haut Brion White.
Stylistically, The Mission Haut Brion red is more accessible and open than Haut Brion, deeply mineral and slightly introverted when young, but over time, Haut Brion will begin to show its power. The two wines reward long-term aging for being at their peak.