Purity of blueberry, blackcurrant and chocolate character here. Shell and iodine. It's full-bodied, chewy and structured with lots of cool tannins that lead long through the center of the wine. Second wine of La Mission.

The 2018 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 40.8% Merlot, 51.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.6% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it comes galloping out of the glass with bold notions of blackcurrant pastilles, stewed black plums and boysenberries, with suggestions of chocolate mint, pencil lead and clove oil, plus a hint of scorched earth. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy black fruits, nicely offset by lovely freshness and ripe, rounded tannins, finishing long and spicy.

This has an enticing set of steeped red and black currant and mulled plum aromas and flavors, along with black tea, savory and tar notes that cruise in on the long, suave, mesquite-accented finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The 2018 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has really blossomed since I tasted it in barrel. The bouquet is very pure and perfumed, featuring shimmering red berry fruit, briar, undergrowth and a touch of peppermint dallying in the background. The palate is very well balanced with smooth tannins, very nicely pitched acidity and a subtle marine note toward the finish. This is just plain delicious.