1985 Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien

1985 Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien

I’ve never drank an 85 Leoville Las Cases in my 26 years of drinking career, and I normally call Leoville Las Cases a never ready Bordeaux based upon other vintages that I have drank, as most of the time it’s simply not matured enough to drink, and I never have any great impression on this chateau. But tonight I must confess I changed my opinion about this Chateau, as this 1985 vintage was not just stunning, but had very unique characters embedded, with forward looking winemaking style! Bouquet of very modern style of lead pencil, almost Pauillac alike. Content was simply stunning, the style was really not very Bordeaux typical style, it has this modern character blended with sexy and feminine tones that was so controversial. The style reminded me more of a new world wine. This 1985, together with 2016, has totally changed my opinion about Leoville Las Cases during great vintages produced superb wine that’s unique and no winemaker could clone the style!

10 Apr 2017
BORDEAUX 85 TASTING 5
We held a tasting of Bordeaux 85 today with a blend of left and right bank: Mouton Rothschild, Leoville Las Cases, Gruaud Larose, Ducru Beaucaillou, La Lagune, Canon La Gaffeliere, Figeac and Certan de May. This was the runner up of the day, rightfully so. Had this same bottle one odd years ago, almost similar outcome. Extra dose of coffee and tobacco leaves dominated the nose. Palate was very rich and lush, not as silky as I thought. Las Cases 85 consistently outperformed.

7 Oct 2016
I WAS WRONG
I have never been a great fan of Leoville Las Cases, but this bottle tonight in a lineup of Bordeaux 85 blind tasting, the wine came in as #2, very decent and surprising result.
Typical Saint Julien of truck load of coffee, quite fragrant and fruity, and slightly clinical on the bouquet. Surprisingly elegant like a well dressed gentleman, great balance, very prune driven, and like a well tailored suit, very silky. Great effort!