La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2017
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, a blend of 49.2% Merlot, 8.9% Cabernet Franc and 41.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, needs a little coaxing to reveal notes of wild blueberries, redcurrant jelly, ripe plums and star anise with hints of red roses and vanilla pod plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has a serious structure of refreshing acidity and ripe, grainy tannins supporting the many delicate nuances, finishing with a lively lift.