1985 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien, France 750ml

"This is one of my favorite vintages of Las Cases for present day consumption. The wine reveals a youthful deep ruby/purple color, followed by a classic Las Cases bouquet of pain grille, lead pencil, minerals, and ripe black currants. Medium to full-bodied, with outstanding concentration, and soft tannin, this is a classic, fleshy 1985 that reveals none of the potential dilution noticeable in many wines from this vintage. At one time I thought this might turn out to be a modern day clone of the 1953, but it possesses a lot more flesh and intensity."

"Firm, tight and closed, with a band of subdued, cedary currant and anise flavors and a slight mineral accent. Though the flavors aren't obvious, the tannins are well integrated and it's balanced."

Tasted blind at Harry Gill?s annual lunch. Always on the of finest Las-Cases of the 1980s, this bottle convinces with a complex, tightly-wound nose of blackberry, cedar, dried herbs, sous-bois and cigar box. The palate is full-bodied with firm, sinewy tannins, compact at first but fanning out wonderful towards a supple, lithe finish tinged with iodine. Marvellous. Drink now-2030. Tasted February 2010.