Lot 347
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES 1982 (1) WA 95+
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-BARTON 1990 (1) WA 93+
Lot 347 Details
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES 1982 (1)
Saint-Julien. 2ième Cru Classé
u. bn. scraped label
I have had perfect bottles of this cuvee, but, perplexingly, the bottles from my cellar tend to be broodingly backward and require plenty of coaxing. This huge wine is, in many ways, just as massive as Leoville Barton, but it possesses a greater degree of elegance as well as unreal concentration. Classic lead pencil, cassis, kirsch, cedar, and spice characteristics are abundant in both the nose and full-bodied flavors. The tannins are still there, and, at least from my cellar, this 1982 does not appear to have changed much in the last 10-12 years. One wonders how much patience admirers of this brilliant St.-Julien will continue to exhibit. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050. June 2009 WA 95+
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-BARTON 1990 (1)
Saint-Julien. 2ième Cru Classé
bin soiled label
Believe it or not, the 1990 Leoville Barton can actually be drunk - something that cannot be said about the broodingly backward, still excruciatingly tannic 1982. The exceptionally concentrated 1990 reveals more polished, sweeter tannins along with a big, sweet kiss of black currant, forest floor, cedar, and spice box notes. While it still has some tannins to shed, this full-bodied, powerful, long wine is approachable. It should continue to evolve for another two decades. June 2009 Drink: 2009-2029 WA 93+