La Mission Haut Brion Blanc 2009

An exquisite blend of 84% Semillon and 16% Sauvignon Blanc, this wine possesses a zesty crushed rock component intermixed with lemon butter, fig, white currant, quince and melons. Its steely backbone of acidity gives precision and zestiness to what is a full-bodied, powerful, concentrated dry white that should evolve for 20 or more years.

Tasted at the chateau. A blend of 84% Semillon and 16% Sauvignon Blanc, this has quite a tight nose of apple-blossom, pear skin and honeysuckle. Moderate definition, just lacking a little lift. The palate is taut on the entry, with touches of green apple, linden, a hint of gooseberry, good acidity towards the citric finish but perhaps without the exuberance of a great vintage such as the 2007. Tasted March 2010.

Subtle yet intense aromas of lemon pie, apple crumble and Brazilian lime follow through to a full body, with a dense concentration of fruit but an excellent backbone of acidity that turns to peaches and dried lemons on the finish.

Very stinky Sauvignon-like aromas despite the fact that it's 84% Sémillon. Very perfumed and with lots of gras but strong grapefruit aromas. Then a little sudden on the finish. Date tasted 2nd April 2010. Drink 2016-2025.