Grand Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Château Léoville Las Cases from Saint-Julien presents a deep garnet color, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers an expressive bouquet of red berries, blackcurrants, pencil shavings, paraffin wax, and loamy soil. The palate is deep, full-bodied, and textured, with unusual concentration for the vintage, supple tannins, succulent acids, and a long, expansive finish. This vintage is considered one of the finest from the estate, showcasing the exceptional terroir and winemaking expertise of Château Léoville Las Cases.

About the grape

Château Léoville Las Cases, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, cultivates a blend of grape varieties that contribute to its renowned wines. The vineyard spans approximately 97 hectares, with plantings of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, provides structure and aging potential, while Merlot adds softness and fruitiness. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic complexity, and Petit Verdot, though present in smaller amounts, enhances color and tannic structure. The estate's proximity to the Gironde River creates a unique microclimate that favors early ripening and protects the vines from frost, contributing to the distinctive character of its wines.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1985 Château Léoville Las Cases is renowned for its harmonious balance, featuring notes of cedar, black fruits, and a hint of forest floor, all wrapped in silky tannins.
• 🦁 The estate's Grand Clos vineyard is uniquely enclosed by walls, with an entrance guarded by a stone lion, which also adorns the wine's label.
• 🎬 In the 1976 film 'L'Aile ou la Cuisse,' a bottle of Château Léoville Las Cases 1953 is prominently featured, showcasing its cultural significance.
• 🌊 The vineyard's proximity to the Gironde River creates a special microclimate, enabling early grape ripening and protection from frost.
• 🍇 The 1985 vintage was produced from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, reflecting the estate's dedication to crafting complex wines.

Palate profile

Producer

Château Léoville Las Cases, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc region. Originally part of a vast estate known as Domaine de Léoville, it was divided during the French Revolution, leading to the creation of Château Léoville Las Cases, Château Léoville Barton, and Château Léoville Poyferré. The estate has been managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century and is currently overseen by Jean-Hubert Delon. Notably, in 1976, the 1971 vintage of Château Léoville Las Cases ranked sixth among ten French and Californian red wines in the historic "Judgment of Paris" wine competition. The estate's vineyards are situated adjacent to those of Château Latour in Pauillac, separated only by the Juillac tributary.