Blackcurrants and crushed stones with violets and roses. Earthy and black truffle notes, too. Medium to full body with firm, silky tannins that are layered and attractive, in a muscular and toned fashion. Iodine, ink, earth and bark with wet-vine undertones to the fruit at the end. Reserved and impressive.

The 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion is fabulous. There's no doubt about that. When it might actually be ready to drink is another matter! Soaring aromatics are so alluring. On the palate, though, the 2019 is incredibly reticent. Readers should be in no rush. Today, La Mission is a wine of huge potential. Dark red cherry, rose petal, incense, iron and gravel hint at what is to come.

The 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion unwinds in the glass with aromas of inky berry fruit, wild plums and cherries mingled with notions of warm spices, burning embers and creamy new oak. Full-bodied, deep and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and fine, powdery tannins. Powerful and tightly wound, this is less sumptuous and demonstrative out of the gates than its sibling Haut-Brion, but I suspect it possesses even greater potential.

Suave textures and great richness give an impressively typical wine from this estate. It is ripe, full of black fruits and dense tannins. Set for aging, the wine will age at least until 2027.

Captures the essence of the vintage as well as possible, with a lovely swath of cassis, plum puree and cherry compote flavors that glides along, showing just enough buried spine in the form of alder and iron notes to give this form. Features alluring red tea and savory details that add range on the lengthy finish. Approachable already, but there's no rush here. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.