Château La Mission Haut-Brion Graves 1961

When 1961s are still delivering, you know you are in the presence of something extremely special. No question of that here, with floral aromatics that curl upwards out of the glass, caressing and soft but with depth and power. There are plenty of traces of tobacco leaf, old book and cigar box that you might expect at this age, but they are woven through autumnal fruits that retain their power even if softened, with an unexpected persistency. Stands among the best 1961s, right up alongside legends such as Latour 1961. Take a moment to think about the fact that these wines are now 63 years old and still giving pleasure. Insane really. Owned by the Woltner family at this point, as La Mission was from 1919 until 1983.