Magnum Castle Léoville Las Cases

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byNeal Martinthe7/31/2011

Tasted at the Las-Cases off-line at The Square. Many years have passed since I last tasted the ’83 Las-Cases. It is reticent at first, like and old tongue-tied friend entering the room, then it blossoms with aeration offering scents of leather, chestnut, brambly black fruit and freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with melted red-berry fruits, firm tannins and superb balance. Hints of bell pepper and sandalwood furnish the long, harmonious finish. This is a wonderful wine for the vintage that is drinking perfectly now.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe1/31/2003

Like so many 1983s, this wine entered full maturity 6-7 years ago and now seems to be suggesting that it needs to be drunk up quickly, as the tannins and acidity continue to take hold, and as the fruit fades. The wine has a dark plum/garnet color with some amber at the edge. The wine is medium-bodied with a bit of sharpness in the finish. However, the aromas and attack of the wine are still intact, but consumption definitely seems warranted. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 3/02.

La Revue du Vin de France

17 / 20

the11/1/1995

Une robe dense et profonde, comme on s'y attend. Le vin fait très jeune au nez et en bouche où il se montre complexe et racé et demande beaucoup d'aération poru d'épanouir. C'est le plus complet des Léoville, ce qui ne surprendra personne (...).

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe10/31/1995

This tasting consisted of each of the varietal components of Las Cases, followed by the final blend for Leoville-Las Cases. The 1983 Merlot was fully mature, displaying medium ruby color with some amber at the edge, a curranty, coffee, herb, olive-scented nose, good body and spice, and sweet fruit flavors. It needs to be drunk up. The light-bodied, loosely-knit 1983 Cabernet Franc exhibited plenty of spicy, cedary fruit, and an attractive suppleness. This youthful and vibrant wine requires drinking. The low-acid, cedary, fat Cabernet Sauvignon was close to full maturity, with excellent richness and intensity, and a supple, soft finish. The disappointing Petit Verdot revealed a damp, earthy, fecal-like aroma, high acid and tannin, and a hollow, tough finish. The fully mature 1983 Leoville-Las Cases possessed a deep ruby color with no signs of lightening. An open-knit, smoky, cassis, and cedary-scented nose was followed by a supple, rich, medium to full-bodied wine with excellent definition, outstanding ripeness and concentration, and a spicy, soft, velvety-textured finish. Drink this wine over the next 12-15+ years.

Wine Spectator

87 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe10/15/1994

A deceptive Bordeaux which shows extremely gamy, roasted, ripe fruit character, medium body and a silky, slightly austere mouthfeel. Drink or hold.--The Bordeaux 50.

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

One of the top wines of the vintage, as well as one of the youngest tasting 1983s, this wine continues to display a healthy deep ruby/purple color, and an intense bouquet of lead pencil, blackcurrants, and spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied, with a well-delineated, beautifully elegant yet rich, authoritative taste, this classic Las Cases appears to be 2-5 years away from full maturity. It should keep for 20 more years. An immensely impressive 1983! Last tasted, 6/93.