CHATEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 1962 |

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1962 Talence (Pessac-Léognan), Grand Cru Classéu. 5vts, 4ts, 1t/hs, labels 6 very slightly scuffed, 1 slightly wine stained on upper right, 1 slightly nicked, slightly worn capsules, 3 slight signs of old seepage, slightly sunken corks, pale but bright and clear in colorIn Pessac, this was not a big vintage in quantity, whereas it was elsewhere - so you get real concentration in this wine. La Mission cigars on the nose. So well-bred. Violets and aniseed. Intoxicating. Great cigary taste. Stunningly fruity and young. Like lace. Silky smooth. Another recent bottle had that classic cigar and fireplace bouquet that is so La Mission, but with so much elegance and breed, less assertive than the 1961 and 1966, more gentle, more fragrant. So sweet and gummy on the palate, with great finesse and unbelievable long, persistent flavour. Truffley finish. This is one of the greatest 'oeuvres' of Henri Woltner. My husband, David Peppercorn, says it is 'pure poetry' - and he is absolutely right (as usual!). Serena Sutcliffe, MW10 bts (cn)Estimates are per lot