La Mission Haut-Brion is on of the great wines of Bordeaux - indeed of the world - and a wine certainly appropriate to celebrate an important occasion. Complex aromas of scorched earth, minerals, black fruits, lead pencil, and subtle wood accompany this classic, full-bodied La Mission. It boasts superb purity, an expansive, concentrated mid-palate, and sweet tannin in the long, muscular yet refined finish. This superb wine will be at its peak in 2010. Château La Mission Haut-Brion is in Pessac Leognan and part of the Graves appellation. These vineyards are closer to Bordeaux than any others, and offer red and white wines of a homogeneous quality. The red wines present an elegant and rich structure, while the whites offer a fresh and rich bouquet. The vineyards of La Mission Haut Brion cover 10.5 acres, and have an average production of 140,000 bottles per year. It is a neighbor of Château Haut-Brion, but wines from the two producers have very different structures. Compared to Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut Brion produces a richer, more full-bodied and equally well-balanced red wine. Rating: 96, Robert Parker