1979 Château Léoville Las Cases
Community Tasting Note
BellevuePhil Likes this wine:
Thursday, November 23, 2023 - In the realm of enological treasures, one standout gem beckons with an allure that transcends mere taste and transcends time itself—the 1979 Château Léoville Las Cases. It is more than a libation; it is a tale woven from the vines of passion, a sensory odyssey that stirs the soul and captivates the senses, summoning memories of a bygone era and a young maiden whose knowledge of vintages was as enchanting as her spirit, and the taste of tannins on those lips.
This elixir, a vinous masterpiece born from the sun-kissed vineyards of Bordeaux, arrives as a testament to the ages, its crimson hue a symphony of ruby and garnet dancing elegantly within the glass. No, it's not a mouton but when she opens it will blow you away to reveal a bouquet that unveils a tale of its own— a delicate interplay of fragrant florals, with whispers of violet and rose petals carried upon a breeze of cedarwood and hints of leather, a testament to the passage of time and the stories held within.
Allow me to transport you back to the enchanting château, where sprawling vineyards basked in the warm embrace of the sun. Amidst this verdant splendor stood a young maiden, her essence as intoxicating as the vintages she tended to with meticulous care. Her laughter echoed through the cellars, her knowledge a treasure trove woven into the very fabric of the vineyard's history and every wine boy knew with the last name of Las Cases she was off limits.
Ah, the memories flood back as I savor the first delicate sip, an experience akin to a lover's tender embrace. The wine, like her, possesses a grace that belies its age, the initial notes teasing the palate with a symphony of dark berries, blackcurrants, and a hint of plum, a melody that lingers, weaving a tapestry of flavor that unfolds with each passing moment.
As the wine caresses the senses, one is transported to that idyllic realm where time stands still. The tannins, once bold and assertive, have mellowed with the passage of years, embracing the palate with a velvety softness that speaks of wisdom acquired through time's gentle tutelage. It’s an enigmatic dance between fruit and earth, a testament to the terroir that bore this liquid masterpiece.
With each sip, I am reminded of her—her twinkling eyes, alight with passion as she imparted the secrets of the vintages. She spoke of the challenging growing season of '79, the trials that tested the vines, and the triumph of harvest that yielded grapes of unparalleled character. Her tales, much like this wine, were steeped in history and wrapped in an air of mystery. She took my hand and as well fell among the vines with the blood moon above Ill never forget the magic of Las Cases and of this vintage.
The finish, oh, the finish! It lingers, an encore that refuses to fade, leaving behind a whisper of tobacco and a touch of graphite, a gentle reminder of the vineyard's soil and the toil of those who tended it.
This 1979 Château Léoville Las Cases is a symphony encapsulated in a bottle—a testament to the craftsmanship of the winemakers and the legacy of the land. It is a treasure, much like the young maiden who wove her passion and knowledge into the very fabric of this vintage, forever immortalized in the amber liquid that now graces my glass.
As the last drops grace my lips, I am left with a bittersweet longing—a yearning for that time and that place, where the artistry of winemaking and the spirit of adventure intertwined, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. In this wine, I found not just a vintage but an exquisite memory—a reminder of a time when passion, romance, and the pursuit of life's finer things were intertwined in a story that continues to unfold with each precious bottle uncorked.
NOTE TO SELF. DECANT ONLY ONE HOUR, THEN GLASS BY GLASS
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (1,309 views)
2 comments have been posted
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (1,309 views)
Comment posted by Triforwine:
11/24/2023 3:38:00 AM - Lucky you-you said you found a case of this gem!
The note is beautifully written (are you a poet?!) but I was surprised the score only got to 94. You must have quite a frame of reference! I scored it even higher as you know. I'll have to look at some of your other notes to see what it takes to get a higher score from you. I am probably too inexperienced to really know how to score things right but this was one of the most amazing wines I have ever tasted. So glad you found a good case. Awesome Thanksgiving choice. Curious as to what food you paired with it. Also curious what other vintages of this legendary wine you might have encountered. I recall drinking the 82 back in the day but alas all of those are gone. We do have some of the 1986 and a few other odd old vintages. It's going to take a long time I think for some of the more recent vintages to come around (like '11, '14, and the hopefully eventually legendary '15 and '16 which I bought on release).
Comment posted by BellevuePhil:
2/3/2024 8:23:00 AM - Thank you dear sir for your comment but to be honest my friend I don’t know how to score wine I mean I think I do but sometimes I think I don’t and let me explain.
If you’ve ever had a 1950s, Mutan Rothchild, or a 1995 screaming eagle, or many of these other super expensive vintages it’s just really really good. I don’t want to be embarrassed and leave a really good wine review for some vintages that most of my stuck up wealthy, friends think are worthless.
I am learning though, my friend this was a bottle of wine, it is worthy of a 96. Perhaps I’ll edit it until then lift a glass to this crazy life we live in.