Leoville Las Cases 1989 (1.5L)

95 Points, Christopher Deas, Zachys Buying Team: "This is another one of those misunderstood wines over the years as the scores do not always reflect where the wine is at today. Suckling rated the wine 99 points back in 2013, and Parker rated it a dismal 90 points. Regardless of points, it is a wine that needs to be revisited and appreciated for what it is. It does not have some of the concentration that other vintages of Leoville Las Cases can possess, it is however, a more mid-weight, finessed and feminine Las Cases. There is still youthful fruit, almost sweet-like, with red and black fruit notes. The wine begins with an almost creamy like texture that dissipates to a leaner and drier style with lift. In many ways it is a wine that can appeal to the true claret enthusiast and even the high-tone Barolo collector. With air there, citrus and minerality notes join the party, along with tertiary nuances tobacco, leather, tea, and Indian spice. Most importantly there is exceptional acidity that makes this a perfect wine for the table, especially going old school with some prime rib and beef au jus or roasted lamb and mushroom dish. In this day and age, where are you going to find a 2nd Growth with this pedigree, 30 years of age and perfect provenance at this price?"

99 Points, James Suckling: "The aromas to this wine have a beautiful purity of raspberries, blueberries, currants, and flowers that follow to a full body, with super integrated tannins that are like the finest silk in texture. It shows elegant and pretty fruit character and a reserve and finesse of such great years as 1989 and 1995. The bright strong acidity gives a crunchy and creamy texture. This has a tiny bit more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than 2009. Give it at least six to eight years of bottle age." 02/13

96 Points, Wine Spectator: "Very ripe, with raisin and dried fruits on the nose. You can smell the sun-dried grapes. Full-bodied, delivering firm tannins and a very fresh palate. Long and flavorful, offering currant, berries and all sorts of dark fruits, but turns lightly earthy and floral. This is a thoroughly complex wine. Just starting to really open into the mature 20-year-old wine it is, but such a great life ahead of it. Muscular.-'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Drink now." Web Only 2010