Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1998 Saint-Julien 750ml

The 1998 has turned out to be one of the vintage's superb Medocs. It boasts an opaque black/purple color as well as a classic Leoville Las Cases display of lead pencil, gorgeously pure black raspberries and cherries, smoke, and graphite. A broad yet focused entry on the palate reveals firm tannin, medium to full body, superb concentration and purity, as well as a totally symmetrical mouthfeel. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.

 

Only 40% of the harvest was included in this wine, which is one of the finest Medocs of the vintage. It boasts an opaque black/purple color, superb intensity, surprising weight, and classic blackberry and cassis flavors intertwined with vanillin and minerals. Full-bodied, with remarkably mature, sweet tannin, this blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc is an exceptional effort in a tricky Medoc vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030.

 

The 1998 does not appear to be a very complex wine, but Michel Delon and his son, Jean-Hubert, have turned in a superlative performance. It is a saturated purple-colored Las Cases with a classic nose of vanillin, black currants, cherries, and spice. Medium-bodied, with ripe, well-integrated tannin, and impressive length, this layered, concentrated, moderately tannic effort should be at its finest between 2002-2018.