I was invited out to dinner last night and really spoiled, being able to enjoy and compare side-by-side 1995 Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion at my leisure.
The wines were decanted about an hour and a half before the meal.
How amazing that estates across the road from one another can be so different!
There were 6 of us at table and opinions were evenly devided as to which wine was "better".
What struck me was how ready the wines were to drink. I'm not saying that they were at their absolute peak, but they were clearly well on their way there.
La Mission had deep, earthy, truffle aromas and a textured, almost granular aftertaste. It was very rich and satisfying, with typical Graves aromas/flavors of musk, tobacco, and leather, as well as a mineral quality.
Haut Brion, meanwhile, had more of a cep mushroom nose and a smoother, more seamless taste. It was very sleek and polished, but without quite the vinosity and substance of La Mission. I nevertheless preferred it because of its sheer class.
Seeing as we were still thirsty, a bottle of 1994 Haut Brion was also served afterward. I'd like to say that the prejudice against the vintage was unjustified, but this was not the case. The 94 was more angular, light, fluid, and less deep than the 95, as well as much further along in its development. No point to age any further.
Best regards,
Alex R.