At Wine Group Dinner 203, Harveys Bistro - 2009 Left Bank. This bottle opened with an initial closed nose that opened in the glass to reveal blackcurrants, black raspberries and cherries, cedar and charcoal, dark chocolate and lead pencil. The palate is finely constructed with beautiful linearity yet the fruit has a richness and mouthfeel that balances the austerity. Over time the line of rich fruit becomes more apparent and persistent into the wonderful pure finish. A classic long distance Las Cases.
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What a wonderful drinking experience, beautiful blackberry nose, with hints of blackcurrants, nicely mixed with mineral flavors in the direction of silex. Perfectly balanced, very smooth tannins, medium+ bodied, with immense depth and complexity. Leaves a beautiful silky mouth feel for quite a long time and raises the urge for more.. just fantastic.
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The 2009 Léoville las Cases isn’t holding back its charms; yes, it’s a little young still and the oak isn’t quite integrated, but as soon as the cork is pulled you’re greeted with a big, gregarious nose. It’s obvious that this is a warm vintage las Cases, but the fruit seems to stay just on the right side of the line, avoiding marked heat or overripeness. The nose straight out of the decanter shows volumes of slightly jellied raspberry and cassis, which simply explode on the palate where the wine’s worth is really shown. There’s a lot of typical las Cases character here in the mineral, pencil, and cedar notes, but there’s also an interesting terra cotta like earthiness. If the fruit character suggests the character of the vintage, it’s the structural components which confirm it - this is a full, lush rendition of las Cases (perhaps uniquely so, at least in terms of vintages that preceded it) with tannins that are already quite manageable and enough acid to keep the wine fresh in the mouth. The only sensation of warmth is on the finish (which shows a creditable length) and perhaps I simply notice it because I’m looking.
If you’re drinking for pleasure rather than academic interest, it would perhaps be better to wait on these another 5 years, yet if you’re stuck with a young wine list at a restaurant, there are a thousand worse choices. However, I wrote the above note over the first 30 minutes after opening - then the wine shut down pretty firmly, not to start re-opening until 5 hours later. Had I tasted this during its closed phase, I would have been unimpressed. Revisited at lunch the next day, about 18 hours after opening (kept in the a clean bottle at 55F overnight), this has unfurled in all its glory - like that brief burst after opening, except with more of everything and the telltale las Cases lavender potpourri note that usually develops with age. I upgraded this at that time from 96-98 points to 97-100. We will see how this magnificent wine develops.
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Held back, restrained wine-making in this warm year. Still a bit dumb on the nose, but ripeness tempered with lovely structure and tannins on the palate. Everything in place to blossom into a great wine, just a bit ‘hidden’ at the moment.
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Inky black ruby color. Decanted and aerated for two hours then drank over two hours. I don't think 8 hours of decant would have helped the wine unleash its potential as it is way too young, opulent and powerful at this stage. Another ten years are needed. Nonetheless, beautiful nose of blackberries, plums, perfumed cassis, black cherries, pencil lead, graphite, spice and nutmeg. Very silky entry on the palate but then the opulent fruit expands and coats the mid palate, with only primary notes at this stage, great acidity, structure, power, the wine finishes long with tannins present but velvety. A wine built to last the whole century.
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[Christmas Dinner Bottle] In a pretty good spot now, but still predominantly primary - great if you like that! For my taste, another 5-10 years would get this into better balance. Approachable PnP, ups and downs following 3 hours, but does open up nicely. Blackberry compote and wet earth on the nose. Palate of juicy brambly dark fruit, cassis, currants, slight eucalyptus on the long finish. Slightly hot, but a lot of depth and oomph. Med+/high acid, med+ tannins, this still needs time, just brimming with potential. Solid wine today, better wine next year, 95-96 potential
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This was an exquisite bottle of wine on a magic Holiday evening with great friends at Log Haven. Not only did Elise -- the best waitress in Utah -- spoil us, but this magic wine was truly a treat. The wine is drinking incredibly right now, with ripe fruit, dark depth, and a long lingering silky finish. This is one of the best wines I've had in the last couple of months. Paired incredibly well with, as Elise said, "the best menu Log Haven has offered in the last 16 years." Yes, indeed. Really truly a great wine, an incredible evening, and a magic night. This is what wine is and friends are all about. Cheers!!
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Almost pure cassis. It is too early for this wine, still only primary notes, leather, graphite, liquorice and cigar box still to come. It is (as always) very serious in style, could be mistaken for a Pauillac. What is striking to me is how pure and concentrated it is. I have great expectations for this one but wait at least half a decade.
This is a wonderful wine. It is true to its character with an introspective feminine nature consistent with the wine and St Julien. Ruby garnet in appearance, the wine is elegant with a pure blackcurrant core. It is perfectly balanced. Blackcurrant,blueberry,mint,olives and spices. Firm acid and tannins. Some aged characters appearing. Drunk at 16 deg C. Best after 45 mins in decanter. Riedel Bordeaux glasses. Blind tasting. Estimated drinking window 2030-2050.
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Having just come off the high of the 2009 Pontet Canet, this was a letdown. Still very nice dark fruit, black currant, cassis (whatever the hell that is) and graphite. Smooth and plush, great balance, but just not the excitement of the Pontet.
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Surprisingly approachable for a young Las Cases. The aromatics fight their way out of the bottle - the cork was barely halfway drawn and the one could smell the wine. Exotic and vibrant nose of violets, spices, cedar and cassis. Medium-plus bodied, wonderful texture and mouthful, fine noble tannins that slowly fan out across the palate, fruit still touch tight. Great length. Olive, graphite notes pop up. Top drawer, fun to drink now, and will cellar for many more years. 13.5% ABV.
(Tasted alongside Colgin Cariad 2007).
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(mostly a) 2009 international cabernet tasting: Tasted blind, popped corks 2 hours before drinking. My favorites in order: 1. 2009 Leoville Poyferre (96): Ripe, concentrated, dark fruits, oaky, tasted new world 2. 2009 Dominus (95): Oaky, dark fruit profile, less old world than expected 3. 2009 Quilceda (93): Oaky, big, darkest fruit profile 4. 2009 Sheridan Block 1 (91): Ripe, sweet but balanced 5. 2010 Ornellaia (?): Slight brett taint, which I’m sensitive to 6. 2009 Leoville Las Cases (90): Acidic, lean, austere compared to others
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2009 is my favourite Bordeaux vintage of all and this wine re-enforces my feelings. I know, there is a case for 2010, 2016 and (for LLC) 2018 of the more recent vintages, but this Las Cases is like a blend of all of those. After a 90 minute decant it has wonderful black fruit, tobacco, superb structure with silky smooth tannins. It also has real precision. One of those wines where you just sit back and feel at peace with the world, even today. This was the first of a case and I was apprehensive that it would be too young. All the critics say it will get better, and I will be interested to see how this goes. I suppose a score of 99 leaves room to improve! *****(*)
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(GG Tasting, 1 Glass) - Beautiful nose of vanilla, smooth, elegant, mocha(?) integrated with more expresso notes coming through at the end. Needs considerable time.
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If you like great Cuban Cigars, the nose here has your name on it. From there, add forest floor, leaf, red fruits, spice, flowers and a waft of smoke. Full-bodied, powerful, graceful and concentrated, this is a perfect example of classic Bordeaux at its best. The wine is firm, focused, fresh, pure and mouth-filling, Light on its feet, especially when you consider the level of density found here, the fruit is what stands out the most, for its vibrancy, purity and length. If you need to see what this is about now, give it 2-3 hours of air. If you can wait, this will rock your glass in another decade or so!
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Tasted next to a barrel sample of 2018. Dark fruit, tobacco, graphite, crushed stones, cedar, violets on the nose - on the generous side of classic, but still quite restrained and elegant with lovely depth and complexity. On the palate powerful tannins, masses of ripe cassis and cherry fruit, notes of spices. Impressively well balanced, very harmonious and elegant. Lovely minerality. Vibrant finish with remarkable length. Outstanding. Keep. 97-98+
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Berry Brothers 2018 Bordeaux en primeur (plus back vintages) (Lindley Hall, London): Just tasted after its neighbour Poyferre 09 the LLC follows a similar vein but shows more graphite with a nod to Pauillac border. Also very ripe silky tannins, not quite as ripe as Poyferre coming across as a tad more classic. A true delight and truly classy juice! One of the wines of the tasting for sure.
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2009 Bordeaux 10 years in the bottle 2-day horizontal; 6/23/2019-6/24/2019 (Fribourg): 94 Points Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note: Ripe and slightly liquoresque fruit, but pleasant. Actually fruit-forward all the way. Also perfumed and floral notes. Sweet oak / cedar. Quite some power but with good balance.
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Bordeaux 2009 - 10 Years On - 47 Reds; 6/23/2019-6/24/2019: 2009 Bordeaux after 10 years. 48 red wines. The left bank (average rating 94.2) clearly trumps the right bank (92.6): Elegance, purity and freshness vs over-extraction, ripeness and oxidation. But there are some winners on the right bank (Cheval, Petrus, Hosanna for now, Lafleur, Trotanoy medium-term) but the highest scores were given to left bank wines (Margaux #1 overall, Palmer, Mouton, for now, Latour, St. Juliens medium-term). I guess purists will not like the loads of oak-derived aromas which in some wines are great but can make the wines a bit slutty (Cheval, Margaux, quite a lot of right banks). But there are plenty of more classically shaped wines too. Overall, the 2009s are a lot of fun with many pockets of greatness but I would be very selective on the right bank. If you like more elegant, subtle and classic wines I would focus on 2005/2010/2016. All wines tasted blind and without decanting.
TN: Muted nose with dark, some red fruit and some smoke. First palate experience rather disjointed but then got better by the minute, so much ripe dark fruit, but blue and red fruits too, herbal aromas too. Round and velvety tannins still noticeable, amazing freshness, very good length. At first rather 91/92 but quickly up to 94/95 points. Overall like all St. Juliens still in a sleepy phase, a bit austere with some edges. 5+ hours of decanting if you pop a bottle today.
Average blind score 4 tasters: 95.3 Rank: 13th out of 48 wines (shared rank with Leoville Poyferre)
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During a merchant tasting. Dark purple. Nose still primary with lots of dark fruit but also the roasted character with brown and red tones of the 2009 vintage. The palate is a big surprise, the wine is soft and ripe, can actually be drunk with regards to the tannins. However, the secondary aromas have yet to develop so I recommend to stash this away till 2025. Very promising LLC. 96-97
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The nose is magnificent. Tightly packed fruit. The tannins are structured and blocky. This still needs some years in the cellar to smooth out. Only opened it about 30 minutes before drinking. I'll try the rest of the bottle tomorrow to see if it opens up.
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Les Vinissimes de NICOLAS (Paris, Maison des Polytechniciens): Couleur : grenat de belle intensité. Nez vaporeux d’assez bonne intensité aromatique, sur des notes terreuses, un fruit plutôt précis (mûre, prune, framboise noire), des notes d’épices douces, et de très légères notes animales. Bouche : Attaque souple, moyennement aromatique, sur une légère note de poivron vert qui disparait par la suite. Corps assez ample, bouche structurée, matière assez dense et dotée d’une bonne énergie en particulier en fin de bouche. Notes de tabac, de mûres, de cassis. Les tanins se resserrent en fin de bouche. Finale nette d’assez bonne longueur. Dégusté lors d’un salon, il avait été carafé seulement depuis une heure. Lui livrant mon impression, le directeur technique du château me confirme mon impression en me précisant qu’un dégustateur professionnel passant quelques minutes avant moi avait eu le même ressenti. Bref, 1/ soit il nécessitait bien plus d’aération ; 2/ soit il était en période de fermeture relative. Note : 17/20? (94/100?)
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Wow, this is a modern Bordeaux of the highest class! After a very short decant the nose is still fairly muted, but on the palate it is singularly approachable. It will no doubt close down at some point but right now it is wide open. Tannins present but not remotely obstructive, the flavours are primary of course but when a wine has this much elegance I see no disadvantage in that. The fruit is massive and sweet, but importantly and unlike a lesser wine, shows no sign of over-extraction.
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Decanted for two hours. Such an androgynous wonder that literally builds on your palate as it effortlessly glides into the sunset. So much power and yet very pretty, I am reminded of the '05 mixed with '90 and the '86 as well. Black cherry, green tobacco leaf, plumeria, scorched earth and chiseled rock. The palate is perfect, along with the finish. Even though this is infantcide, there is a plethora of enjoyment to be had at the current moment. I love this as much as the '00. Drink 2022 -.
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The 2009 Grand Vin of Leoville-Lascases seems like a modern day 1990. It is seamless, perfectly pitched, dense, powerful, brooding and full bodied. It has a bit more elegance and finesse than the somewhat bumptious by comparison 1990. This was my wine of the night at the LLC dinner in a London on 23 April.
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I loved this wine 4yrs ago and I still adore it. The nose is still full of plums, cassis and some graphite. Nowhere near as hard to drink now as you may think. I'm starting to get the sense this is heading in the direction of the 1990 but with more power and intensity. Already has an incredibly rich and persistent finish, but lots of new oak still to integrate. On track, but clearly one wait for... although this isn't as closed as I had expected, best to wait until 2025... 97+pts.
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Nose- rich, ripe fruit... dark with floral quality similar to a rich Brunello, whereas 2009 Les Forts de Latour was rich, ripe but jammy. Very nice and pretty. No green. Best nose out of 5 tasted.
Palate- Good fruit structure, covering a wide range of spectrum. Tannins blended well. Silky, but defined texture. Lasting finish. Slightly better than 2009 Palmer. Both superb.
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Good, deep ruby crimson color. On the nose, this is gorgeous and elegant, displaying ripe fruit, cedar, flowers, pencil shavings and minerals. This is medium full bodied on the palate, with excellent concentration and a silky finesse. The finish is long, and tannic, but the tannins are very silky. A wonderfully classy drink, and in need of some time.
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CT Wisconsin Offline 2; 10/5/2012-10/6/2012 (Madison, WI): Beautiful fruit, clean and straightforward. Everpresent heat and lingering tannins, this was pleasant and nicely balanced, but didn't seem special at all. Plainly French in style, but disappointing to me. Tasted blind. Group #5 of 10, my #7 of 10.
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I am a big LLC fan, but this is something else... Velvet, chocolate and plums.... Sweet, dense and notes of creme de cassis and clay on the nose. It is approachable and easy to drink now (amazingly for LLC, but I can fully confirm after finishing half a bottle without extended airing). Imho, this is one of the very best 2009s and should develop wonderfully.
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Very deep ruby color with cigar box, tobacco, truffle, espresso bean, crème de cassis, spice box and smoke in the nose. This massive, powerful, concentrated, St. Julien wine is filled with fresh ripe, juicy berries, polished, ripe tannins, dark chocolate and blackberries. The finish is long, clean, fresh and pure. Built to age, while this will drink at an earlier age than most vintages of Leoville Las Cases, it will not be as much fun as many 2009 Bordeaux wines to taste young.
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2009 Leoville Las Cases, from a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, and 9% cabernet franc at 13.8 ABV, is deep ruby with purple accents. The alcohol gives no sensation of heat. Scents of boysenberry, tobacco, minerals, earth, cedar, and blackberry jam pop up from the glass. This concentrated wine is the essence of purity. The wine is round, without a single hard edge. The intense finish includes chocolate, boysenberry, blackberry, and blue fruit flavors, which remain on your palate for over a minute. 2009 was the first vintage using the Optical Sorting Machine. Delon said reverse osmosis not utilized every year, but only in select vintages. 97/99 Pts
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4/17/2024 - drjb Likes this wine: 96 Points
At Wine Group Dinner 203, Harveys Bistro - 2009 Left Bank. This bottle opened with an initial closed nose that opened in the glass to reveal blackcurrants, black raspberries and cherries, cedar and charcoal, dark chocolate and lead pencil. The palate is finely constructed with beautiful linearity yet the fruit has a richness and mouthfeel that balances the austerity. Over time the line of rich fruit becomes more apparent and persistent into the wonderful pure finish. A classic long distance Las Cases.
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12/15/2023 - michael47 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Decanted 8 hours. Still young but such a great future ahead. Rich, layered with lots of tannins. Classic claret cab but with so much depth. Delicious.
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12/8/2023 - fcxj wrote: 90 Points
Bit hard, lacking much charm.
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7/19/2023 - crooksie Likes this wine: 96 Points
What a bottle waited two hours decant and it opened beautifully
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6/10/2023 - Koodoh Likes this wine: 96 Points
What a wonderful drinking experience, beautiful blackberry nose, with hints of blackcurrants, nicely mixed with mineral flavors in the direction of silex. Perfectly balanced, very smooth tannins, medium+ bodied, with immense depth and complexity. Leaves a beautiful silky mouth feel for quite a long time and raises the urge for more.. just fantastic.
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4/16/2023 - englishman's claret wrote: 98 Points
The 2009 Léoville las Cases isn’t holding back its charms; yes, it’s a little young still and the oak isn’t quite integrated, but as soon as the cork is pulled you’re greeted with a big, gregarious nose. It’s obvious that this is a warm vintage las Cases, but the fruit seems to stay just on the right side of the line, avoiding marked heat or overripeness. The nose straight out of the decanter shows volumes of slightly jellied raspberry and cassis, which simply explode on the palate where the wine’s worth is really shown. There’s a lot of typical las Cases character here in the mineral, pencil, and cedar notes, but there’s also an interesting terra cotta like earthiness. If the fruit character suggests the character of the vintage, it’s the structural components which confirm it - this is a full, lush rendition of las Cases (perhaps uniquely so, at least in terms of vintages that preceded it) with tannins that are already quite manageable and enough acid to keep the wine fresh in the mouth. The only sensation of warmth is on the finish (which shows a creditable length) and perhaps I simply notice it because I’m looking.
If you’re drinking for pleasure rather than academic interest, it would perhaps be better to wait on these another 5 years, yet if you’re stuck with a young wine list at a restaurant, there are a thousand worse choices. However, I wrote the above note over the first 30 minutes after opening - then the wine shut down pretty firmly, not to start re-opening until 5 hours later. Had I tasted this during its closed phase, I would have been unimpressed. Revisited at lunch the next day, about 18 hours after opening (kept in the a clean bottle at 55F overnight), this has unfurled in all its glory - like that brief burst after opening, except with more of everything and the telltale las Cases lavender potpourri note that usually develops with age. I upgraded this at that time from 96-98 points to 97-100. We will see how this magnificent wine develops.
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3/2/2023 - Oddbod wrote: 96 Points
Held back, restrained wine-making in this warm year. Still a bit dumb on the nose, but ripeness tempered with lovely structure and tannins on the palate. Everything in place to blossom into a great wine, just a bit ‘hidden’ at the moment.
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2/25/2023 - the player Likes this wine: 95 Points
Inky black ruby color. Decanted and aerated for two hours then drank over two hours. I don't think 8 hours of decant would have helped the wine unleash its potential as it is way too young, opulent and powerful at this stage. Another ten years are needed. Nonetheless, beautiful nose of blackberries, plums, perfumed cassis, black cherries, pencil lead, graphite, spice and nutmeg. Very silky entry on the palate but then the opulent fruit expands and coats the mid palate, with only primary notes at this stage, great acidity, structure, power, the wine finishes long with tannins present but velvety. A wine built to last the whole century.
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12/25/2022 - Michael Hung Likes this wine: 94 Points
[Christmas Dinner Bottle]
In a pretty good spot now, but still predominantly primary - great if you like that! For my taste, another 5-10 years would get this into better balance. Approachable PnP, ups and downs following 3 hours, but does open up nicely. Blackberry compote and wet earth on the nose. Palate of juicy brambly dark fruit, cassis, currants, slight eucalyptus on the long finish. Slightly hot, but a lot of depth and oomph. Med+/high acid, med+ tannins, this still needs time, just brimming with potential. Solid wine today, better wine next year, 95-96 potential
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12/29/2021 - A&C Likes this wine: 99 Points
This was an exquisite bottle of wine on a magic Holiday evening with great friends at Log Haven. Not only did Elise -- the best waitress in Utah -- spoil us, but this magic wine was truly a treat. The wine is drinking incredibly right now, with ripe fruit, dark depth, and a long lingering silky finish. This is one of the best wines I've had in the last couple of months. Paired incredibly well with, as Elise said, "the best menu Log Haven has offered in the last 16 years." Yes, indeed. Really truly a great wine, an incredible evening, and a magic night. This is what wine is and friends are all about. Cheers!!
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4/29/2021 - phol wrote: 92 Points
To be fair it might have bin a tad off but still nice but not near 95-96
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10/28/2020 - steinersing wrote: 95 Points
an excellent 2009 here - and attractive early drinker. Great material.
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10/22/2020 - tmagsmaken wrote: 96 Points
Almost pure cassis. It is too early for this wine, still only primary notes,
leather, graphite, liquorice and cigar box still to come.
It is (as always) very serious in style, could be mistaken for a Pauillac. What is striking to me is how pure and concentrated it is. I have great expectations for this one but wait at least half a decade.
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9/12/2020 - Indran Rajendra Likes this wine: 98 Points
This is a wonderful wine. It is true to its character with an introspective feminine nature consistent with the wine and St Julien. Ruby garnet in appearance, the wine is elegant with a pure blackcurrant core. It is perfectly balanced. Blackcurrant,blueberry,mint,olives and spices. Firm acid and tannins. Some aged characters appearing. Drunk at 16 deg C. Best after 45 mins in decanter. Riedel Bordeaux glasses. Blind tasting. Estimated drinking window 2030-2050.
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7/26/2020 - johnh1001 wrote: 93 Points
Having just come off the high of the 2009 Pontet Canet, this was a letdown. Still very nice dark fruit, black currant, cassis (whatever the hell that is) and graphite. Smooth and plush, great balance, but just not the excitement of the Pontet.
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7/21/2020 - lightning wrote: 96 Points
Surprisingly approachable for a young Las Cases. The aromatics fight their way out of the bottle - the cork was barely halfway drawn and the one could smell the wine. Exotic and vibrant nose of violets, spices, cedar and cassis. Medium-plus bodied, wonderful texture and mouthful, fine noble tannins that slowly fan out across the palate, fruit still touch tight. Great length. Olive, graphite notes pop up. Top drawer, fun to drink now, and will cellar for many more years. 13.5% ABV.
(Tasted alongside Colgin Cariad 2007).
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7/17/2020 - Indran Rajendra Likes this wine: 98 Points
Typical Las Cases. Some age characters but mostly youthful. Best between 1/2 hr and 1 hr after opening. Drink 2030-2050.
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5/19/2020 - bonedoc wrote:
(mostly a) 2009 international cabernet tasting:
Tasted blind, popped corks 2 hours before drinking. My favorites in order:
1. 2009 Leoville Poyferre (96): Ripe, concentrated, dark fruits, oaky, tasted new world
2. 2009 Dominus (95): Oaky, dark fruit profile, less old world than expected
3. 2009 Quilceda (93): Oaky, big, darkest fruit profile
4. 2009 Sheridan Block 1 (91): Ripe, sweet but balanced
5. 2010 Ornellaia (?): Slight brett taint, which I’m sensitive to
6. 2009 Leoville Las Cases (90): Acidic, lean, austere compared to others
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4/25/2020 - baxter67 Likes this wine: 99 Points
2009 is my favourite Bordeaux vintage of all and this wine re-enforces my feelings. I know, there is a case for 2010, 2016 and (for LLC) 2018 of the more recent vintages, but this Las Cases is like a blend of all of those. After a 90 minute decant it has wonderful black fruit, tobacco, superb structure with silky smooth tannins. It also has real precision. One of those wines where you just sit back and feel at peace with the world, even today. This was the first of a case and I was apprehensive that it would be too young. All the critics say it will get better, and I will be interested to see how this goes. I suppose a score of 99 leaves room to improve! *****(*)
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3/10/2020 - Ianjaig Likes this wine: 92 Points
(GG Tasting, 1 Glass) - Beautiful nose of vanilla, smooth, elegant, mocha(?) integrated with more expresso notes coming through at the end. Needs considerable time.
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9/20/2019 - Jeff Leve wrote: 99 Points
If you like great Cuban Cigars, the nose here has your name on it. From there, add forest floor, leaf, red fruits, spice, flowers and a waft of smoke. Full-bodied, powerful, graceful and concentrated, this is a perfect example of classic Bordeaux at its best. The wine is firm, focused, fresh, pure and mouth-filling, Light on its feet, especially when you consider the level of density found here, the fruit is what stands out the most, for its vibrancy, purity and length. If you need to see what this is about now, give it 2-3 hours of air. If you can wait, this will rock your glass in another decade or so!
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8/6/2019 - dbenglis Likes this wine: 90 Points
I don't feel this is ready. Overpowered by tannins. I won't open for a few more years.
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7/3/2019 - rossi.wine wrote: 98 Points
Tasted next to a barrel sample of 2018. Dark fruit, tobacco, graphite, crushed stones, cedar, violets on the nose - on the generous side of classic, but still quite restrained and elegant with lovely depth and complexity. On the palate powerful tannins, masses of ripe cassis and cherry fruit, notes of spices. Impressively well balanced, very harmonious and elegant. Lovely minerality. Vibrant finish with remarkable length. Outstanding. Keep. 97-98+
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7/3/2019 - BenBlu Likes this wine: 97 Points
Berry Brothers 2018 Bordeaux en primeur (plus back vintages) (Lindley Hall, London): Just tasted after its neighbour Poyferre 09 the LLC follows a similar vein but shows more graphite with a nod to Pauillac border. Also very ripe silky tannins, not quite as ripe as Poyferre coming across as a tad more classic. A true delight and truly classy juice! One of the wines of the tasting for sure.
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6/24/2019 - sirpat00 Likes this wine: 96 Points
2009 Bordeaux 10 years in the bottle 2-day horizontal; 6/23/2019-6/24/2019 (Fribourg): 94 Points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe and slightly liquoresque fruit, but pleasant. Actually fruit-forward all the way. Also perfumed and floral notes. Sweet oak / cedar. Quite some power but with good balance.
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6/24/2019 - Cailles wrote: 95 Points
Bordeaux 2009 - 10 Years On - 47 Reds; 6/23/2019-6/24/2019: 2009 Bordeaux after 10 years. 48 red wines. The left bank (average rating 94.2) clearly trumps the right bank (92.6): Elegance, purity and freshness vs over-extraction, ripeness and oxidation. But there are some winners on the right bank (Cheval, Petrus, Hosanna for now, Lafleur, Trotanoy medium-term) but the highest scores were given to left bank wines (Margaux #1 overall, Palmer, Mouton, for now, Latour, St. Juliens medium-term). I guess purists will not like the loads of oak-derived aromas which in some wines are great but can make the wines a bit slutty (Cheval, Margaux, quite a lot of right banks). But there are plenty of more classically shaped wines too. Overall, the 2009s are a lot of fun with many pockets of greatness but I would be very selective on the right bank. If you like more elegant, subtle and classic wines I would focus on 2005/2010/2016. All wines tasted blind and without decanting.
TN: Muted nose with dark, some red fruit and some smoke. First palate experience rather disjointed but then got better by the minute, so much ripe dark fruit, but blue and red fruits too, herbal aromas too. Round and velvety tannins still noticeable, amazing freshness, very good length. At first rather 91/92 but quickly up to 94/95 points. Overall like all St. Juliens still in a sleepy phase, a bit austere with some edges. 5+ hours of decanting if you pop a bottle today.
Average blind score 4 tasters: 95.3
Rank: 13th out of 48 wines
(shared rank with Leoville Poyferre)
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3/30/2019 - Raizes Likes this wine: 94 Points
一开始有类似甲醛、松油的气息，开瓶七个小时后慢慢进入状态，甜美的黑色水果，很多烟熏、雪茄、甘草，成熟、浓郁、有力，但并没有过分浓缩和肌肉虬节的现代审美。虽然还是年轻的状态，层次还有非常多等待展现的空间，但单宁已经十分细腻，在口中展现出了沉稳而有余裕的气势，未来变化可期。93+
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1/1/2018 - cincybt Likes this wine: 97 Points
Brilliant! One left that I’ll lay down for another 5 years.
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9/24/2017 - Collector1855 wrote: 96 Points
During a merchant tasting. Dark purple. Nose still primary with lots of dark fruit but also the roasted character with brown and red tones of the 2009 vintage. The palate is a big surprise, the wine is soft and ripe, can actually be drunk with regards to the tannins. However, the secondary aromas have yet to develop so I recommend to stash this away till 2025. Very promising LLC. 96-97
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7/24/2017 - christaton Likes this wine: 91 Points
The nose is magnificent. Tightly packed fruit. The tannins are structured and blocky. This still needs some years in the cellar to smooth out. Only opened it about 30 minutes before drinking. I'll try the rest of the bottle tomorrow to see if it opens up.
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3/9/2017 - I've Got Bottle (JP Abela) wrote: 94 Points
Les Vinissimes de NICOLAS (Paris, Maison des Polytechniciens): Couleur : grenat de belle intensité.
Nez vaporeux d’assez bonne intensité aromatique, sur des notes terreuses, un fruit plutôt précis (mûre, prune, framboise noire), des notes d’épices douces, et de très légères notes animales.
Bouche : Attaque souple, moyennement aromatique, sur une légère note de poivron vert qui disparait par la suite.
Corps assez ample, bouche structurée, matière assez dense et dotée d’une bonne énergie en particulier en fin de bouche. Notes de tabac, de mûres, de cassis. Les tanins se resserrent en fin de bouche.
Finale nette d’assez bonne longueur.
Dégusté lors d’un salon, il avait été carafé seulement depuis une heure. Lui livrant mon impression, le directeur technique du château me confirme mon impression en me précisant qu’un dégustateur professionnel passant quelques minutes avant moi avait eu le même ressenti. Bref, 1/ soit il nécessitait bien plus d’aération ; 2/ soit il était en période de fermeture relative.
Note : 17/20? (94/100?)
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11/22/2016 - MrBrege wrote: 96 Points
Wow, this is a modern Bordeaux of the highest class! After a very short decant the nose is still fairly muted, but on the palate it is singularly approachable. It will no doubt close down at some point but right now it is wide open. Tannins present but not remotely obstructive, the flavours are primary of course but when a wine has this much elegance I see no disadvantage in that. The fruit is massive and sweet, but importantly and unlike a lesser wine, shows no sign of over-extraction.
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8/21/2016 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 99 Points
Decanted for two hours. Such an androgynous wonder that literally builds on your palate as it effortlessly glides into the sunset. So much power and yet very pretty, I am reminded of the '05 mixed with '90 and the '86 as well. Black cherry, green tobacco leaf, plumeria, scorched earth and chiseled rock. The palate is perfect, along with the finish. Even though this is infantcide, there is a plethora of enjoyment to be had at the current moment. I love this as much as the '00. Drink 2022 -.
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5/9/2016 - Burgundy Al wrote: 94 Points
Leoville Las Cases Tasting and Dinner (Knightsbridge - Northbrook IL): Tasting, brief note. Ripe and nicely concentrated. Long, powerful, but not quite harmonious. Certainly cellarworthy, but not nearly as exciting as the 2010 just tasted.
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4/28/2016 - Comte Flaneur wrote: 96 Points
The 2009 Grand Vin of Leoville-Lascases seems like a modern day 1990. It is seamless, perfectly pitched, dense, powerful, brooding and full bodied. It has a bit more elegance and finesse than the somewhat bumptious by comparison 1990. This was my wine of the night at the LLC dinner in a London on 23 April.
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4/22/2016 - JulianSkeels Likes this wine: 97 Points
I loved this wine 4yrs ago and I still adore it. The nose is still full of plums, cassis and some graphite. Nowhere near as hard to drink now as you may think. I'm starting to get the sense this is heading in the direction of the 1990 but with more power and intensity. Already has an incredibly rich and persistent finish, but lots of new oak still to integrate. On track, but clearly one wait for... although this isn't as closed as I had expected, best to wait until 2025... 97+pts.
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3/12/2014 - aquacongas Likes this wine: 94 Points
94+ (5+13+18+8), 20 years too Young, but a great fruit and Tannin structure. superb. I will try it in 10years again.
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6/13/2013 - assaggi Likes this wine: 99 Points
Drunk this in wine round with 20 different 2009 Bordeauuxs, best wine of the evening, Typical Las cases Tannin, Needs a lot of time
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3/16/2013 - NathanT wrote: 97 Points
K&L #5
Nose- rich, ripe fruit... dark with floral quality similar to a rich Brunello, whereas 2009 Les Forts de Latour was rich, ripe but jammy. Very nice and pretty. No green. Best nose out of 5 tasted.
Palate- Good fruit structure, covering a wide range of spectrum. Tannins blended well. Silky, but defined texture. Lasting finish. Slightly better than 2009 Palmer. Both superb.
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12/7/2012 - aajder wrote: 94 Points
Good, deep ruby crimson color. On the nose, this is gorgeous and elegant, displaying ripe fruit, cedar, flowers, pencil shavings and minerals. This is medium full bodied on the palate, with excellent concentration and a silky finesse. The finish is long, and tannic, but the tannins are very silky. A wonderfully classy drink, and in need of some time.
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10/8/2012 - cadams wrote: 92 Points
Nose- dark cherry, spicy, red fruits
Palate- medium acidity, medium body, pomagranite, dark cherry, good minerality
short finish
92+
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10/6/2012 - IWineAlot wrote: 96 Points
CT Offline WI Take 2: Judgement of Madison(Paris) Tasting & BYOB Dinner (Madison, WI): Jammy nose, plums, dark berries, vanilla, cedar and a herbal quality.
Smooth round tannins. Long finish.
SS 96pts.
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10/6/2012 - petitblanc wrote: 90 Points
CT Wisconsin Offline 2; 10/5/2012-10/6/2012 (Madison, WI): Beautiful fruit, clean and straightforward. Everpresent heat and lingering tannins, this was pleasant and nicely balanced, but didn't seem special at all. Plainly French in style, but disappointing to me. Tasted blind. Group #5 of 10, my #7 of 10.
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6/26/2012 - JulianSkeels Likes this wine: 99 Points
I am a big LLC fan, but this is something else... Velvet, chocolate and plums.... Sweet, dense and notes of creme de cassis and clay on the nose. It is approachable and easy to drink now (amazingly for LLC, but I can fully confirm after finishing half a bottle without extended airing). Imho, this is one of the very best 2009s and should develop wonderfully.
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5/3/2012 - Jeff Leve wrote: 98 Points
Very deep ruby color with cigar box, tobacco, truffle, espresso bean, crème de cassis, spice box and smoke in the nose. This massive, powerful, concentrated, St. Julien wine is filled with fresh ripe, juicy berries, polished, ripe tannins, dark chocolate and blackberries. The finish is long, clean, fresh and pure. Built to age, while this will drink at an earlier age than most vintages of Leoville Las Cases, it will not be as much fun as many 2009 Bordeaux wines to taste young.
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11/23/2010 - Yagil wrote: 96 Points
Second tasting within two weeks. velvet round aroma, elegant & rich. Full-bodied, rich, tannin, structured, high potential, something special=
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11/9/2010 - Yagil wrote: 98 Points
velvet round aroma, elegant & rich. Full-bodied, rich, tannin, structured, high potential, something special=
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9/5/2010 - roquenroell Likes this wine: 97 Points
Tasted at LLC with Bruno Rolland after going through the entire Delon portfolio, LLC came out fresh and vibrant with amazing balance.
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8/26/2010 - Jeff Leve wrote: 98 Points
2009 Leoville Las Cases, from a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, and 9% cabernet franc at 13.8 ABV, is deep ruby with purple accents. The alcohol gives no sensation of heat. Scents of boysenberry, tobacco, minerals, earth, cedar, and blackberry jam pop up from the glass. This concentrated wine is the essence of purity. The wine is round, without a single hard edge. The intense finish includes chocolate, boysenberry, blackberry, and blue fruit flavors, which remain on your palate for over a minute. 2009 was the first vintage using the Optical Sorting Machine. Delon said reverse osmosis not utilized every year, but only in select vintages. 97/99 Pts
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