1995 Leoville Las Cases
By Chateau Leoville Las Cases
1995 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of legendary Bordeaux vintages, the 1995 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases resonated deeply with connoisseurs and investors alike. As we cast our minds back to the hallmark year of 1995 in St-Julien, I recall a year marked by a serendipitous combination of climatic conditions that teetered precariously between the challenges of nature and the acumen of man.
A Vintage Defined by Mastery and Mother Nature
The season’s capricious weather needed the attentive eye and patient hand only found in storied estates; Chateau Leoville Las Cases demonstrated such mastery. They allowed the grapes to reach optimal maturity, achieving a structured poise in their celebrated 1995 vintage. This efficiency was manifested in concentrated flavour profiles that have evolved impeccably over time, making the 1995 vintage a cornerstone for investors with an appreciation for wines that gracefully traverse decades.
Cellaring Potential: A Virtue of Time and Taste
The 1995 Leoville Las Cases reveals a depth where robust tannins and vigour once took centre stage but have since mellowed into a harmonious symphony of complexity and elegance. The bouquet unfolds layers of dark fruits and cassis, underpinned by nuances of earthy undertones and touches of graphite – a testament to its noble terroir. On the palate, this venerable St-Julien boasts a sensational balance with an enduring finish, making it one of the spectacular finales from the late 20th century.
The wine's evolution and current drinking window suggest an investable asset that speaks volumes about its creators' foresight. Discerning collectors would appraise not just its enological virtues, but also its profound ability to enhance an astute investment portfolio.
In summary, the 1995 vintage stands as one of the highlights from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, exemplifying St-Julien's winemaking prowess. It encapsulates a moment in time where skill triumphed over climate to produce a wine with remarkable ageing potential – undoubtedly a wise addition for those looking to diversify their fine wine investments with proven longevity.
Market price (USD)
$2,370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
121.25
Scores and tasting notes
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.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 4 March 2021
If it were not for the prodigious 1996, everyone would be concentrating on getting their hands on a few bottles of the fabulous 1995 Leoville-Las-Cases, 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 cassis fruit, the judicious use of toasty new oak, and a thrilling mineral character intertwined with the high quality of fruit routinely obtained by Las Cases, make this a compelling effort. There is probably nearly as much tannin as in the 1996, but it is not as perfectly sweet as in the 1996. The finish is incredibly long in this classic. Only 35% of the harvest was of sufficient quality for the 1995 Leoville-Las-Cases. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #115 February 1998