Wine Notes
The Judgement of Paris vintage for Las Cases. 1971 Bordeaux has not stood the test of time, although it was once a respected year. This was akin to chocolate liquor and, although we had one sip, a quick sniff was all we needed to know. This is a vintage that died a long time ago. We can probably safely skip the seventies too (don’t skip the 80s though…).
In total contrast to the preceding vintage, 1971 was a very small vintage and was better on the right bank, where there were some sensational wines made (Trotanoy, for example). The Leoville Las Cases is one of the better left bank wines and worth trying against the 1970.
This one remaining bottle is at mid-to-high shoulder level which is OK for its age.
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
1971 was a decent vintage in Bordeaux
Other vintages of Chateau Leoville Las Cases
Other wines from Chateau Leoville Las Cases
2005 Clos du Marquis (500cl): £670
2010 Clos du Marquis: £60
Our rating –