Community Tasting Note
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Jeff Leve wrote: 99 points
May 8, 2023 - Inky in color, the wine is all about its full-body, intensity, levels of concentration, and sense of purity. The wine starts off with violets, cassis, blackberries, Cuban cigar wrapper, ash, smoke, licorice, and mint. On the palate, the levels of concentration are readily apparent. Yet, even with all its depth of flavor, there is refinement, lift, and complexity that requires time and effort to unfurl. The fruit is uncommonly rich in the mid-palate the tannins are strong, ripe and firm. The seamless finish, with its wall of rich, black and blue fruit hits the 60 second mark with ease. As always, Leoville Las Cases requires bottle aging. But, with 2022, my guess is the wine will start to shine after a decade of age, evolving and improving for 40-50 years with ease. Produced from a blend 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.5% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot. 14.25% ABV. 3.80 pH. Harvesting took place September 8 - September 30. Yields were 36 hectoliters per hectare. This is only the second time in the history of the estate that you find more Cabernet Franc than Merlot in the blend. Drink from 2030-2065. 98-100 Pts.
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2 Comments
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Handy1 commented:
5/10/23, 7:30 AM - Hi Jeff
Thanks for your work and all your time and effort for your reviews. Have used your reviews for some years in buying en primeur bordeaux. I was wondering being interested in the whole process of wine rating, and following the other people who right reviews for their occupation, if I could ask, as your reviews are always positive and you tend to score on the high end of the 100 point system are your reviews truly independent or are you paid in some way by the wine industry either in gifts or wine etc.? Does your web site generate income in some way? Thanks again for your timely write ups right before the wines come available. -
Jeff Leve commented:
5/10/23, 8:06 AM - No Problem with the question. First, I make barely enough to pay for the server and some tech help.
I receive nothing from any winery in gifts or cash. My views represent my opinion on the wines. Nothing more, or less.
I have very specific tastes, likes, and dislikes and hopefully, you see this on a consistent basis.
I do not think I score high. I feel I am fair. Take the LLC you referenced. I think this is a mind-blowing wine from LLC in a great vintage. That's my view, you are welcome to disagree. I taste very good wines more often than not, so those have the potential to receive good scores.
You should pay attention to my notes because they work for you, or disregard them if they don't. I hope they represent what you will taste if you have the chance to experience the same bottle.
Lastly, if you have not, you might want to visit my website as you will find a lot more detail on the wines and vineyards other than just the tasting notes.
Feel free to ask more questions if you like. I am open.