Château La Mission 2016

Not to be mistaken for the Graves property, Château La Mission boasts a mere two-hectare vineyard in the southwest of Lalande de Pomerol, neighbouring Pomerol itself. It has belonged to the Garde Laserre family, who also own two Pomerol estates, for generations. Winemaking, however, is the province of the renowned Moueix team. The château takes its name from the time of the Crusades when knights, passing that way on the way to the Mediterranean, would stop to pray at the Mission cross. This monument still stands proud on the estate today. History aside, its 40-year-old vineyards have ideal soils of iron-rich clay and sand, which produce wines that are very appealing in their youth but age well too. Open early if you can – superb with lamb.