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The 1999 La Mission Haut-Brion has long been one of the “dark horses” from the estate, sandwiched between the 1998 and 2000 and unfairly overlooked. This bottle reveals an intense bouquet that has far more chutzpah than I presupposed. Black fruit, charcoal, singed leather and just a subtle hint of game are all delivered with impressive definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, and a marine influence is more noticeable than a decade ago when I last tasted it. While it has not quite lost its rather conservative and well-behaved finish, it is a thoroughly enjoyable La Mission Haut-Brion that might represent better value than more feted vintages. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.Vinous Media | 94 VMMade in a lighter style, the fully mature 1999 reveals notes of beef blood, roasted herbs, black truffles, damp earth and black currants intermixed with hints of espresso and spice box. This medium-bodied, velvety textured, lush La Mission should hold nicely for a decade in a cold cellar.Robert Parker | 91 RPOffers rose and blackberry, with currant jam aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and lots of fruit. This is very youthful, yet silky and refined. Just coming around.--'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Drink now. 5,830 cases made.Wine Spectator | 90 WS

This is a mouthful, with loads of fruit and truffle character. Exotic and wild, but starting to close. Give this five years.James Suckling | 93 JSIn 2003, this was the second wine of Leoville Las Cases as opposed to a separate entity. A brilliant effort, it was harvested between September 11 and 26, and boasts 13.3% natural alcohol. The final blend was 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Its deep garnet/ruby/plum color is followed by notes of bay leaf, black currants, licorice and lead pencil shavings. The wine is deep, full-bodied, rich and fully mature, but its length, richness, freshness and complete feel suggest it will continue to drink well for 7-8 years. It’s a beauty.Robert Parker | 91 RPGood ruby-red. Roasted plum, currant and leather on the nose. Thick, rich and deep, with uncanny sweetness and mouth coverage for this bottling. Finishes very long, with a suggestion of dried fruits and big tannins that are even sweeter than those of the 2005 (the IPT here is 71, vs. 65 in the '05).Vinous Media | 90 VMVery pretty aromas of blackberry, currant and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety, round tannins and lots of attractive vanilla and berry flavors. Long. Best after 2009. 9,500 cases made.Wine Spectator | 90 WS

Lots of currants, berries and chocolate on the nose and palate. Full and chewy. Solid tannin structure. Better in 2015.James Suckling | 92 JSLove the nose of currant and mineral, with hints of mint. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Tannic. Maybe too much. But I think it's going to come out excellent.Wine Spectator | 91 WSThis uncompromising property has turned out a backward, forbiddingly tannic wine that, even in this very opulent and flamboyant vintage, will need a minimum of 10-15 years of cellaring yet keep for 40 or more years. Opaque black/purple, with notes of crushed rock, white flowers, graphite, blueberry and cassis, the wine is tight and needs to be coaxed from the glass. It is medium to full-bodied, with an excruciatingly tough-textured finish. Everything is here, and the wine is set for a long life, but it is not the least bit charming and certainly won’t be for at least another decade.Robert Parker | 90 RP