The 1979 Chateau Leoville Las Cases is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned St Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Leoville-Las Cases, this red wine is presented with a slightly bin-soiled label and sealed with a traditional cork closure.
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com reviewed this vintage in November 2018, awarding it a respectable score of 90. Leve describes the wine as "medium-bodied" with a core of "bright, crisp red fruits." The wine exhibits a blend of secondary characteristics, including "tobacco, forest leaf, earth, peppery spice, and herbs," which add complexity to the "piquant red berry notes." These elements suggest a wine that has matured well, developing layers beyond its initial fruit profile.
The wine's finish is marked by "sharp cherry/cranberry, spice and tobacco notes," indicating a firm, crisp character. Leve notes that the wine "requires drinking," suggesting that it is at its peak and should be enjoyed soon to appreciate its full range of flavors.
Overall, the 1979 Chateau Leoville Las Cases offers a classic Bordeaux experience. It showcases the signature traits of its St Julien origins: a balance of fruit and secondary notes, with a structure that has allowed it to age gracefully over the decades. While it may not reach the heights of more recent vintages, it stands as a testament to the longevity and complexity that Bordeaux wines can achieve.