Producer: Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Region: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
Blend: Bordeaux Red Blend
Year: 1978 

James Suckling, 99 Points 

"I am blown away by the intense iodine and dark fruits and roses on the nose. Full-bodied with very clear and bright fruit. Stoney. Superb quality." 

Vinous, 98 Points 

"The 1978 La Mission Haut-Brion is a candidate for the greatest Bordeaux wines produced during the 1970s. Without question, it is the highlight of the vintage. I have tasted it several times over the years and each time, my appreciation is heightened further. Still youthful in appearance, the bouquet soars from the glass with almost high-toned blackberry, cigar humidor, warm gravel and that signature trait of black olive. You could nose this all day. The palate is medium-bodied yet there is much more density than you will find on other 1978s. Notes of black fruit, bay leaf, graphite and earthy tones, the latter emphasized with aeration. Decanting is strongly advised because it responds to a long opening, deepening all the time, developing a sustained cedar tincture that lingers in the mouth. It is a fabulous La Mission Haut-Brion that at 40-years continues to give so much pleasure." 

Wine Advocate, 96 Points 

"One of the top ten wines of the vintage, the glorious 1978 is a candidate for “the” wine of the vintage. Seemingly fully mature (it is more evolved than the 1975), it exhibits a dark garnet color with little lightening at the edge as well as a classic La Mission bouquet of truffles, charcoal, scorched earth, black currants, plums, figs and crushed rocks. A sweet, medium to full-bodied entry on the palate reveals totally resolved tannins, adequate acidity and uncanny richness, complexity, texture and length. This surprisingly dense, concentrated, velvety La Mission-Haut-Brion displays all the complexity of this great terroir. At the peak of its evolutionary track, it is in no danger of falling apart, but prudence suggests drinking it over the next 15-20 years." 

Alcohol: 12% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.