2001
La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion
Tasting notes
Very clean on the nose, with oak already lending finesse and richness.
Generous fruit, with surprising aromatic density for a second-label wine.
On the palate, there is an initial attack of fresh fruit flavors enveloped by forward and firm tannins, promising great longevity.
The firm tannins add structure to the typically long, persistent yet soft finish.
There is considerable drinking pleasure to be anticipated from this vintage.
A harmonious wine, full of charm.
The weather
The weather conditions this year were very similar to the ones in 2000. The really hot weather in July (7 days were above 30 degrees) and in August (12 days were above 30 degrees), was very noteworthy. Other than two days of heavy rain, it did not rain very much between July 20th and September 20th. As a result the grapes matured slowly but perfectly. During the picking the weather was extremely mild and generally hot and dry with the exception of two days of heavy rain on September 22nd and October 3rd. We did not harvest during those two days.
A few figures
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Harvest Dates
From September 17th to October 6th
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Blend
Merlot: 18 %
Cabernet Sauvignon: 77%
Cabernet Franc: 5 % -
New barrels
20 %
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Alcohol
12.5 %
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Bottling date
From June 30th to July 1st 2003