Chateau Leoville Las-Cases - 2me Cru Classe - 1982

The 1982 is unquestionably one of the greatest wines, and certainly the best Leoville-Las-Cases I have tasted. As fine as the 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990 are, this is the wine to own. The color has moved from a dark opaque ruby/purple, to a more garnet tone. The nose offers huge, still immature aromas of cassis, minerals, and that elusive lead pencil smell that is associated more with Pauillac than St.-Julien. There is a roasted richness to the wine, as well as tremendous viscosity and unctuosity to the chewy, super-concentrated flavors. Full-bodied, and not as classically austere as purists might wish, this multi-dimensional, profound wine is loaded with flavor, and has a phenomenal finish. It is the essence of Leoville-Las-Cases. Like many 1982s, the sweetness that resulted from such ripe grapes is displayed throughout the aromas and flavors. While drinkable now, it is still youthful and at least 4-5 years away from full maturity. It should last for 35 years. 100 Points/Drink 1993-2028 - Robert Parker