| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Tasted at the Las-Cases off-line at The Square. The 1995 and 1996 Las-Cases are both monumental wines and the former does not disappoint here. It has a spellbinding nose of blackberry, cassis, melted tar and sous-bois with so much vibrancy and vivacity. The palate is full-bodied with succulent, rounded tannins, enormous depth and power. The finish is beautifully poised and minerally, much more feminine than the ’96. This is a Las-Cases with guile and grace, but it deserves at least 2 hours decanting to open up. Tasted February 2011.
The 1995 Léoville Las Cases is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. Medium garnet colored with a touch of brick, it needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock the intense notes of baked plums, dried mulberries and boysenberry preserves with hints of black truffles, Chinese five spice, unsmoked cigars and dusty soil, plus wafts of beef drippings and cast-iron pan. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers good weight and generous fruit, supported by plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with loads of earth, sautéed herbs and mineral-inspired flavors.
A year that can get overlooked on the Left Bank compared to the (majestic at this property) 1986, but I would strongly suggest not forgetting about the 1995 Las Cases. No Petit Verdot, unusual at the time and making it more reflective of modern blends, stong salinity, with waves of oyster shell and white truffles that head towards dried roses, finely boned tannins, campfire, soot, undergrowth, blackberry, and a shot of mandarin juice that injects a shot of freshness and youth. At this stage it isn't loudly proclaiming its brilliance, just gently reminding you that this is a wine built to last, with a shot of electricity running through it. 50% new oak. Michel Delon owner.
If it were not for the prodigious 1996, everyone would be concentrating on getting their hands on a few bottles of the fabulous 1995, which is one of the vintage's great success stories. The wine boasts an opaque ruby/purple color, and exceptionally pure, beautifully knit aromas of black fruits, minerals, vanillin and spice. On the attack, it is staggeringly rich, yet displays more noticeable tannin than its younger sibling. Exceptionally ripe cherry and cassis fruit, the judicious use of toasty new oak, and a thrilling mineral character intertwined with the high quality obtained by Lascases, make this a compelling effort. There is probably nearly as much tannin as in the 1996. The finish is incredibly long in this classic. Only 35% of the harvest was of sufficient quality for the 1995. 2005 - 2025.
