Léoville Las Cases 1997

It is one of the more concentrated and complete, as well as best defined 1997s I tasted. It exhibits an opaque purple color, and the classic Las Cases aromatic profile (sweet black fruits, cherries, kirsch, vanillin, lead pencil, and minerals). Medium to full-bodied, with silky tannin, low acidity, and layers of concentration, the wine reveals considerable intensity in both the mid-palate and finish. In contrast to the nearly perfect, prodigiously rich, massive yet phenomenally well-balanced 1996, the 1997 has less weight and flavor dimension. Nevertheless, it is a compelling St-Julien that should drink well between 2000-2020. This should turn out to be one of the most concentrated and longest-lived wines of the vintage.