Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2005 vs Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA 2023

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2005

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a powerhouse Bordeaux estate, often mentioned in the same breath as its legendary neighbour, Château Haut-Brion - and for good reason. Located in Pessac-Léognan, just on the outskirts of Bordeaux city, La Mission produces wines that are powerful, deeply complex, and incredibly age-worthy. The estate has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and was acquired by Domaine Clarence Dillon in 1983, bringing it under the same ownership as Haut-Brion. Since then, it’s continued to flourish, combining traditional know-how with meticulous vineyard and cellar management. Stylistically, La Mission is known for its intensity and structure - typically a bit more muscular than Haut-Brion - with layers of dark fruit, tobacco, earth, and spice.