1964 Château Léoville-Las Cases

The 1964 Léoville Las Cases is a vintage that I have not tasted for many years, and then, by complete coincidence, two guests both bring the same wine that are both served blind. Both attest to a Left Bank wine that bucks the trend of this being an exclusively Right Bank vintage. The first offers a splendid bouquet with red berry fruit tinged with orange rind and mocha. It's finely balanced with a keen line of acidity on the ferrous palate. It has a beguiling, harmonious and smooth texture. The second is perhaps a little more diffuse on the nose and evolved on the palate with spice box and light meat juice aromas. A stronger tobacco element appears on the finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at Olivier Bernard's "4" dinner at Domaine de Chevalier.

I never tasted this wine in the early seventies when it was reputedly at its best. Recent examples have been dry, astringent, acidic, and revealing a glaring deficiency in fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline. Last tasted, 5/86.

I never tasted this wine in the early seventies when it was reputedly at its best. Recent examples have been dry, astringent, acidic, and revealing a glaring deficiency in fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline. Last tasted, 5/86. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com