2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Every year there is a battle royal between the two outstanding wines from dapper owner Prince Robert of Luxembourg, with First Growth Haut-Brion tending just to come out on top. Not so in 2006 where La Mission is definitely the star of the show. Its 2006 has an incredible depth and focus, with subtle creamy new oak and intoxicating blackberry and plum fruit dancing across the palate with some delicacy. The incredibly long finish is as good as any outside of Ch. Latour. This displays its trademark silky, feminine elegance but in 2006 has added structure and multi-layered richness. Exquisite.