2005 Leoville Las Cases
By Chateau Leoville Las Cases
2005 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
In the firmament of Bordeaux's elite wines, the 2005 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases is a shining constellation. My personal narrative with this esteemed producer is intricately woven with decades of tasting, and it is a profound experience to revisit such a storied vintage. The 2005 vintage stands out as one of particular distinction, distinguished by a long growing season graced with perfect ripening conditions that led to wines of formidable structure and longevity.
Investing in Terroir: The Merit of the 2005 Vintage
The gravitas of the 2005 vintage is evident when one considers its impeccable balance—combining the richness of fruit with an architectural framework of tannins. As I delved into the deep layers of the wine, it conjured a vivid tapestry of nuanced aromas: black currants, graphite, and hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, the wine unfurls with a regal elegance—a testament to its superb crafting and the age-worthy prowess bestowed upon it by the exceptional climatic conditions of the year.
A Chronicle of Climatic Excellence
Much like the legendary vintages that have set benchmarks in oenological history, the 2005 season was defined by early flowering followed by a summer that was warm yet spared from extremities—a pattern which culminated in an unhurried harvest, allowing grapes to develop fully without succumbing to overripeness. This climatic serendipity is intrinsically linked to the stunning density and complexity observed in this vintage.
The prestigious parcel from which this wine stems signifies an investment piece par excellence for fine wine aficionados. It proudly encapsulates not only a momentous year but also embodies the quintessence of St-Julien's noble terroir.
Encapsulating Excellence: The Collector’s Choice
In closing, for those considering refinement and renown in their portfolios, the 2005 Leoville Las Cases represents an impeccable choice—majestic in stature and majestic in promise. Its meticulous marriage of fruit intensity with poised acidity assures that, as an asset for investment or personal indulgence, it will graciously ascend with time. Allow this storied nectar to not merely occupy space in your cellar but reign supreme among your collection—a piece not only of history but also a beacon of enological excellence.
Market price (GBP)
£2,499.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
131.53
Scores and tasting notes
A stunningly complex and complete nose of flowers, dark fruits, and minerals. Very perfumed and subtle at the same time. The palate is full, yet tight and powerful with perfect tannins and a long, long finish. The quality of the tannins is phenomenal, please leave this alone for ten years. Pull the cork in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 1st 2012
Another titanic effort from the Delon family, the 2005 Leoville Las Cases is probably the greatest wine made at this estate since Jean-Hubert Delon’s father produced the 1986 and 1996. Only 37% of the production made it into the 2005, a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with less than 13% Merlot and Cabernet Franc. An inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by reticent aromatics that, with considerable coaxing, offer up subtle notes of toasty vanillin intermixed with lead pencil shavings, wet rocks, and enormously ripe, intense black cherry and creme de cassis. The wine hits the palate with a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel as well as enormous extract, concentration, and purity. This ageless, monumental claret requires a minimum of 15-20 years to approach maturity, and should last for a half century. It is about as classic a Leoville Las Cases as one will find. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008
This is a prodigious effort. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc (only 37% of the crop qualified for Las Cases), this dense ruby/purple wine has a stunningly pure bouquet of dark fruit, wet rocks, graphite, and subtle background toast/vanillin. Full-bodied, masculine, and very deep and concentrated, this titanic effort is at least 8-10 years away from its plateau of maturity. The Delon family have produced another legend. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2050+.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2015
Tasted single blind at Southwold. There are layers and layers of new oak on the nose with touches of vanilla and coconut lacing the sappy black fruits. The full-bodied palate has immense concentration, smooth and voluptuous in texture with pure blackberry and blueberry. The finish has very good definition and poise. Powerful – iron fist in velvet glove etc. Drink 2015-2030+ Tasted January 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009