CHATEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION
This estate, considered by many to be the only serious rival to Domaines Dillon stablemate Château Haut-Brion in Pessac-Léognan, has had many owners throughout its five century history. These include various prominent Bordelais families, the fathers of the Congrégation de la Mission de Saint-Lazare (who gave the estate its present name) and the current owners, the American Dillon family, owners of Château Haut-Brion itself. The Dillons have maintained the estate’s historic commitment to the highest quality. Today the property is in the capable hands of Jean-Philippe Delmas, who also manages Haut-Brion.
Situated just across the road from Château Haut-Brion in the built up inner suburb of Talence, the estate boasts the same classic gravel soils as its neighbor. These gravel and clay soils lie on a bank up to 60 feet deep and are planted to 43% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc on just over 26 hectares. The red wine is matured in oak for 18 to 22 months, 80% new. A second red wine called La Chapelle de Mission Haut-Brion is also made, with the same care and attention that is given to the first.