Caressing in its tobacco and campfire smoke, with crushed raspberry coulis, less layered than the blockbuster vintages in the lineup but with a fresh mint leaf and oyster shell salinity on the finish. Cool Spring followed by a hot summer with thunderstorms, with a high Merlot blend because rain arrived during the Cabernet harvest, causing issues for many Left Bank estates. It's a vintage of La Mission that I have drunk regularly, the last time a good five years ago, and remains on the exact same plateau - understated, charming and one to look out for. Jean-Philippe Delmas' first vintage, working alongside his father Jean-Bernard. Harvest September 12 to 24 - the early-ripening location of this site a definite advantage.

Tasted at an off-line dinner in Singapore. This is such a lovely Pessac-Leognan that is drinking perfectly now. It has a slightly austere, reserved nose that opens up slowly in the glass with touches of cigar box and tobacco that become more accentuated with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a sense of natural balance, a little dusty perhaps, but great poise and nonchalance towards the finish. It will not ameliorate, but I can see this La Mission cruising along its plateau for at least another decade. Drink now-2020.

This vintage again demonstrates what an extraordinary terroir La Mission-Haut-Brion possesses. It was not an easy year, with rain, flowering issues and uncooperative weather in the critical months of August and September, but the vineyard’s superb drainage and La Mission’s ability to produce fascinating aromatics even in difficult vintages triumphs again. Classic Graves aromas of charcoal, scorched earth, red and black fruits, truffles, graphite and melted tar emerge from this dark garnet/plum-colored 1994. In the mouth, there is some angularity and rustic tannins remaining, but they are not out of balance. With medium to full body as well as more depth than many of its peers, the wine appears to be close to full maturity. However, with this level of acidity and tannin, it is not likely to fall apart any time soon. Anticipated maturity: now-2025. - Robert Parker

The 1994 La Mission Haut-Brion is the dark horse of the decade and may well surpass modest expectations. The bouquet has opened up in recent years to offer appealing tobacco- and cedar-infused black fruit, demonstrating more vigor than any vintage since the late 1980s. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and predominantly black fruit, again laced with tobacco and cedar, and it conveys a sense of correctness. A classic Pessac-Léognan without flair, yet somehow that forms part of its charm. Tasted over lunch at La Trompette in London. -- Neal Martin

Fully mature, this has morphed into an elegant, soft, refined, lighter style of La Mission Haut Brion. Everything has moved to the subtle side. The wine is not overly complex, but the sweet notes of cassis, cherry and cigar wrapper were there, just to a lighter degree. The tannins have completely melted away. The soft finish is on the short side. The wine is now, disarmingly easy to drink. If you have any of this in your cellar, you need to be popping those corks, before the remaining fruit fades away. Pop and pour, or a short, 20 minute decant is all this needs. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1994&wine=Chateau%20La%20Mission%20Haut-Brion