Lot 36
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1995 (1) WS 95 WA 96
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES 1990 (2) WA 96
Lot 36 Details
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1995 (1)
Pessac-Léognan. 1er Cru Classé
stained, scraped & wrinkled label. scraped capsule
Deep ruby/purple-colored wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, black currant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 11/02. WS 95 WA 96
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES 1990 (2)
Saint-Julien. 2ième Cru Classé
u. 2 x bn. 1 x stained label. 1 x scraped label
As one might expect, this is a brilliant wine, but it remains shockingly young, even for the fast evolving 1990s. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a classic, nearly restrained set of aromatics that includes notions of sweet black cherries, black currants, lead pencil, and wet stones. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, and while technically low in acidity, there is a freshness, delineation, and classicism in this full-throttle, rich, concentrated, impeccable 1990. While still youthful, it is easy to appreciate despite its substantial tannins. It is not quite as backward as the 1990 Lafite Rothschild or 1990 Latour. Anticipated maturity: now-2035. June 2009 WA 96