Château La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan Cru Classé de Graves 2001

Captures the easy drinkability of the 2001s at this stage, heading towards 25 years old, still a vibrant pale raspberry colour and now crammed with soft caressing tannins. The fruit character is all finessed spun raspberry and redcurrant puree, with tobacco and white truffle waves through the finish. Easily passes the level test – meaning that the level of this glass goes down extremely quickly, as it is deliciously moreish. Harvest September 17 to October 6, 75% new oak for ageing after a summer that saw almost no rain between July 20 and September 20, with just a few days of more challenging weather during harvest. Jean-Philippe Delmas director.