1999 Leoville Las Cases
By Chateau Leoville Las Cases
1999 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St-Julien, Bordeaux
As we revisit the unparalleled charms of Bordeaux's St-Julien appellation, the 1999 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases emerges as a shining testament to the virtuosity of its creators. This vintage, benefiting from its esteemed lineage, heralds a consummation of patience and precision, bestowed with a character that is singularly impressive in the tapestry of its years.
Nectar of a Season
The year of 1999 was not one that basked in climatic grandeur—a vintage besieged by variable weather, which bequeathed winemakers with a meticulous test of their mettle. Yet, within this crucible, Chateau Leoville Las Cases astonishingly spawned a wine resonant with depth and grace. Nurtured by the clement late-season sun, this harvest encapsulated a tenacity that has delivered into our glasses an elixir that ages with exquisite dignity.
Describing the Indescribable
The precise composition of the 1999 Leoville Las Cases emanates layers upon layers of complexity. On the nose, you are greeted with an aristocratic bouquet of blackcurrants and cedar wood, intertwined with an underlay of tobacco and subtle violet whispers. The palate unfurls with a regal elegance—a mélange of dark fruit conserves, clove-studded plums, and an enduring mineral seam. Tannins, once assertive in their youth, now display a refinement akin to the finest velvet.
In terms of investment potential, it's essential to regard this vintage as one holding steady allure. It captures an interlude where nature and nurture danced a delicate pas de deux—one that appeals to collectors with an affinity for wines that tell a more nuanced story.
With careful maturation, this 1999 offering continually augments its sophistication—a triumphant exemplar amidst discerning portfolios. As one imbibes the sensorial poetry poured from bottle to glass, one begins to comprehend why this exceptional St-Julien is renowned amongst astute connoisseurs and investors alike.
Crowning Verdict
The longevity lent to this wine marks the 1999 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases as a compelling candidate for wine investment—a true reflection of exceptional winemaking prowess triumphant over the challenges presented by Mother Nature in '99. It remains not just as a vintage to taste but one to hold dearly within one’s collection; a noble infusion of time and terroir deemed irresistible to those who know its worth.
Market price (USD)
$2,240.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
167.27
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 Leoville Las Cases possesses a dense purple color as well as classic aromas of vanilla, black cherries, and currants mixed with subtle toasty oak. The wine is medium-bodied with sweet tannin, yet it remains young, backward, and unevolved (unusual for a 1999). Its extraordinary purity and overall harmony give it a character all its own. This excellent Las Cases will be at its finest between 2006-2022.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002
Tasted at the Las-Cases off-line at The Square. A consistent tasting note here. The '99 retains a rather backward nose of cigar box, cedar and undergrowth, here with a faint touch of rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied and well defined though remaining stubborn and backward. Yet there is a lovely silky texture and over time it loosens its tie and develops intriguing honeyed notes towards an increasingly plush finish. The '99 may merit a higher score in a couple of years. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2011