Wine Ratings

wines

The 1989 Chasse-Spleen offers chestnut and black truffle on the nose, with a touch of dried blood, comfortably revealing in its secondary aromas. The palate is wonderfully balanced, the dusty black fruit laced with cedar and charcoal, a hint of soy on the “old school” finish. The 1989 has held up wonderfully and, though maybe not quite as charming or as voluminous as the 1990, it is not far off. Tasted from a bottle bought on release and tasted at “Brat” restaurant in London.Vinous Media | 92 VMMake no mistake about it, the 1989 Chasse-Spleen is the finest wine this property has produced since their great 1949. This is a spectacularly rich, powerful, authoritative example of the vintage that can compete with and even surpass many of the most famous names. Layer upon layer of concentrated, sweet, expansive, blackcurrant fruit is wrapped in a frame of toasty new oak and decent acidity. An awesome wine! Anticipated maturity: 1996-2015.Robert Parker | 91 RPBig and chewy. Impressive. Dark ruby-colored, with cocoa, coffee and chocolate aromas covered by ripe fruit. Full-bodied and very rich, showing lots of chewy tannins and a long, roasted coffee and berry aftertaste.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2004.Wine Spectator | 91 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