2008 La Mission Haut-Brion ($250)
This wine, from an underrated vintage, is a powerhouse, broader and chunkier than Haut-Brion, with fascinating aromas of crushed berries, the tang of wood and spice, and velvety texture.
2012 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc ($400)
Both Haut-Brion and La Mission also make rare white blends of sauvignon blanc and semillon; confusingly, this one was called Laville-Haut-Brion until the 2009 vintage. It’s rich, round, sumptuous, and stunning, with notes of lemon, mint, and minerals (and much cheaper than the Haut-Brion Blanc).
2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion ($100)
This is the second wine of Haut-Brion, which used to be known as Bahans-Haut-Brion. It’s full of vibrant ripe fruit, with smoky notes of sandalwood that echoes Haut-Brion.
1989 Château Haut-Brion ($1,800)
This is one of my all-time ultimate wines, and it still can be had for a splurge price. It’s all about elegance and harmony, with layers and layers of flavors, from ripe fruit to tobacco to minerals.