Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1985

WINE SPECTATOR: "A fabulous wine; one of the first great Las Cases. Full-bodied and rich, with the tannins extremely well integrated into an impressive background of fruit. Give it time.--Cabernet Challenge. Best after 2004."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefe, satte Farbe. Heisses, nach Dörrfrüchten und Bananen duftendes Bouquet, ein Hauch Malagasüsse, von viel primärer Frucht wie Cassis und Brombeeren getragen. Im Gaumen viel Schmelz für einen 85er, füllig, fast opulent, cremige, samtig fliessende Textur, konzentriert und fleischig. Einer der besten roten Bordeaux des Jahrgangs 1985."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "One of the stars of the vintage, this is drinking perfectly today. Delivering its wealth of ripe, juicy, crisp, fresh red fruits in its stern, regal, refined, full-bodied character, 30 minutes in the decanter is all this beauty needs to start singing."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 1985 is a gorgeously open-knit Las Cases with a sweet nose of lead pencil, sweet black cherries and currants, and a hint of underbrush and new oak. Medium to full-bodied with expansiveness, supple tannins, and outstanding concentration, this is a beautifully made wine that still tastes like it is an adolescent and may even have an even greater upside as it continues to age in bottle. The low acidity and sweet tannin, however, suggest it has entered its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2018. Last tasted, 8/02."