France
Ducru Beaucaillou 2015 Saint-Julien
"The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon at 95%, with just 5% Merlot in the blend. Deep garnet colored, it prances out of the glass with flamboyant notes of rose oil, sandalwood, and star anise, leading to a core of kirsch, warm cassis, and redcurrant jelly, plus a waft of cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with opulent exotic spices and red and black berry preserves layers, framed by velvety tannins and lovely tension, finishing long and seductive. 98 points." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, November 2022
Leoville Las Cases 1991
Château Léoville Las Cases is often considered an “honorary First Growth” for its uncompromising quality, structure, and longevity. It is a towering example of Left Bank claret, showcasing brooding power matched to exquisite elegance. The nose is deep and sophisticated: cassis and black cherry fruit mingle with graphite, pencil lead, and cigar-box cedar, plus hints of smoke, tobacco leaf, and truffle in matured examples.
On the palate, Las Cases is full-bodied and densely packed – it unfurls layers of ripe blackcurrant, blueberry, and dark plum, all tightly woven into a fabric of fine yet very present tannins. The wine’s structure is formidable (especially in great vintages like 1982 or 1996), delivering a “powerful yet refined” palate with tightly knit texture and a long mineral finish. There is a strong terroir character of mineral/iron and a certain Pauillac-like regality (unsurprising, as its vineyards border Latour). Despite the concentration, Las Cases always retains a sense of balance and polish – acidity and fruit in harmony – so that after decades, it reveals extraordinary nuance.
The finish is legendary: long, resonant, and complex, with persistent notes of cool black fruits, flinty minerality, and lingering spice/tobacco. In summary, Léoville Las Cases epitomizes St-Julien’s breed at the highest level – immensely rich and structured in its youth, evolving into a wine of remarkable depth, finesse, and gravitas that rivals the Médoc’s very best.
Cos D’Estournel 2003 St-Estephe
Château Cos d’Estournel is famed for a bold yet exotic St-Estèphe style. It delivers the appellation’s dense, powerful structure alongside a unique elegance and spice-laden aroma profile. Expect layers of dark fruit (blackberry, plum) infused with Indian/Asian spices, vanilla and cedar, reflecting Cos’s oriental flair. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with subtle tannins and fresh acidity harmonizing the richness.
This “pagoda-adorned” château’s red exudes balance and purity – a harmony of silky tannins, vibrant black fruits, and a powerful terroir imprint that leaves a long, suave finish. It’s an opulent yet refined Saint-Estèphe, often described as seductive and exotic in character.
Remoissenet 1969 Chevalier L’Arquebuse
A beautifully mature Burgundian expression showing evolved aromatics of dried citrus peel, baked apple, hazelnut, and honeyed wax layered with truffle, spice, and delicate oxidative complexity. The palate is silky and fully integrated, with softened acidity carrying a mellow core of preserved orchard fruit, toasted nuts, and savoury umami depth. Long and contemplative on the finish, unfolding with layers of nutty, earthy nuance and refined tertiary character that speak to its age and quiet complexity. Drink sooner than later.
Leoville Las Cases 1999 Saint Julien
Château Léoville Las Cases is often considered an “honorary First Growth” for its uncompromising quality, structure, and longevity. It is a towering example of Left Bank claret, showcasing brooding power matched to exquisite elegance. The nose is deep and sophisticated: cassis and black cherry fruit mingle with graphite, pencil lead, and cigar-box cedar, plus hints of smoke, tobacco leaf, and truffle in matured examples.
On the palate, Las Cases is full-bodied and densely packed – it unfurls layers of ripe blackcurrant, blueberry, and dark plum, all tightly woven into a fabric of fine yet very present tannins. The wine’s structure is formidable (especially in great vintages like 1982 or 1996), delivering a “powerful yet refined” palate with tightly knit texture and a long mineral finish. There is a strong terroir character of mineral/iron and a certain Pauillac-like regality (unsurprising, as its vineyards border Latour). Despite the concentration, Las Cases always retains a sense of balance and polish – acidity and fruit in harmony – so that after decades, it reveals extraordinary nuance.
The finish is legendary: long, resonant, and complex, with persistent notes of cool black fruits, flinty minerality, and lingering spice/tobacco. In summary, Léoville Las Cases epitomizes St-Julien’s breed at the highest level – immensely rich and structured in its youth, evolving into a wine of remarkable depth, finesse, and gravitas that rivals the Médoc’s very best.
