Wine Notes
1970 was an up-and-down year in Bordeaux, which we’ve had a lot of opinions on over the years. It was a massive vintage in terms of size, and because it came after three very poor vintages, caused much excitement. Some of the premier crus, Margaux for example, have not lasted so well. We have had many a bottle of the Mouton, which was a decent wine when younger but has failed to come through in the end. Saint-Julien probably had the best of the conditions but, unusually, Leoville Las Cases unfortunately didn’t come up to the standard. It’s not the worst wine ever and is still showing some signs of life, but don’t open these several hours before drinking: uncork, decant, pour, drink – ideally within 30 minutes.
Or, strangely, try the 1971.
Producer Notes
Once part of Chateau Leoville before Louis XVI lost his head and ranked as a second growth in 1855, Leoville Las Cases has long been the best of the three Leovilles, with prices to match, and the best wine from the Saint Julien appellation.
Some of the 1970s wines weren’t so brilliant but it is generally very reliable and good older vintages are still good value.
The blend is around 65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 13% cabernet franc, and a few percent petit verdot.
Apart from the Grand Vin, there are three other wines produced: Clos du Marquis, which is technically a chateau in its own right; Le Petit Lion de Marquis de Las Cases, which is the second wine of Leoville Las Cases; and La Petite Marquise, which is the second wnie of Clos du Marquis. All a little confusing.
Vintage Notes
1970 was a good, but uneven vintage in Bordeaux
Our rating –