The 2000 La Mission Haut-Brion is certainly one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage. Its performance was off-the-charts in two separate tastings for this report. Deep blue/purple, with a nose of creme de cassis, floral scents, graphite, and subtle smoke, the wine is pure, deep, sumptuously textured, full-bodied, powerful (although certainly not at the power level of the amazing 2009). This wine certainly transcends its 13% natural alcohol and has the same level of concentration found in such great vintages of La Mission Haut-Brion as 1989, 1982, 1975, and of course, more recent efforts such as 2005, 2008, and 2009. Still young but beginning to display some secondary nuances, the wine has enormous layers of depth as well as an unctuous texture. Even though it is still quite youthful, I believe it will hit its prime in another 3-4 years and last 50 or more. It is certainly a wine that will likely jump dramatically in price once the price of the 2009 is released.

Lovely aromas of dried lavender, crushed berries and minerals. Full-bodied, with firm, yet polished tannins and a medium finish of tobacco, berry and dark chocolate. A balanced and very pretty young red. Not quite as exciting as in barrel, but clearly outstanding. Best after 2010. -JS