Vinous - Score: 87 (2021 September)

The 1964 La Mission Haut-Brion is another vintage I have tasted several times, primarily since it once appeared on restaurant lists at prices a fraction of what you will see nowadays. Performances have been variable, some examples feeling musty and distinctly lacking in fruit while one outlier in 2004 was inexplicably sensual. This is one of the better bottles, though still no great shakes. It has a light and leafy bouquet, very autumnal, with fresh tobacco scents developing. The austere palate reveals light, somewhat herbaceous vestiges of black fruit. A dry, rather mean finish leaves you wishing it was the 1966. Bottles should be drunk in the near future. Tasted at the La Mission Haut-Brion dinner in London.