In my mind, there’s no better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with loved ones, watching the sunset, while sharing a delicious meal and wine pairing. This evening hits the mark!
This wine is a 2nd growth Saint-Julien from the Médoc, left bank, region of Bordeaux, France. When I say 2nd growth, that means the Château from which this wine hails received the second highest quality designation as of part of the “1855 Classification” that took place during the Universal Expedition in Paris in 1855. This quality designation remains intact today despite the centuries that have passed.
This wine is clear with a deep ruby hue and garnet rim variation. On the nose this wine has medium intensity(+) of developing aromas with a large focus on blackberry, fig, cassis, prune, potpourri, incense, anise, cedar, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, earth, leather, and tobacco. On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium acidity, a medium(+) body, medium alcohol, high tannins, and medium intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long.
Interestingly, the fermentation took place in various vessels, including those made from oak, steel, and concrete and then this wine aged in oak barriques (small oak vessels) until it was ready for bottling.
It was also cellared at the Château from harvest until shipping in 2015.
Château Léonville, Grand Vin de Léonville du Marquis de Las Cases, Saint-Julien, Médoc. Vintage 2005. ABV 13%.
This wine has complexity, balance, structure, and length. It’s outstanding. I’m not surprised to see a 100-point rating from Wine Spectator. Thank you @Deke for the amazing Birthday selection! — 4 years ago
Lockdown week 2 January 2021
Bottle number 001096
medaille de bronze concours general agricole Paris 2002 — 4 years ago
Ambroisie paris 9/17 — 4 years ago
Paris New Years! — 6 years ago
Light crisp with a hint of Citi is , not to bubbly . We had at Apicius in Paris — 3 years ago
Blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Interesting wine based on the fact that age has really mellowed it. Nose features violets, asphalt, Forrest Floor with a note of dark cherry/cassis fruit. Dark berry fruit is muted on the pallet with hints of dark chocolate. Soft tannins on the medium finish. Austere. — 4 years ago
First drop in Paris — 5 years ago
Nishith Jobanputra
Purchased in Paris Nov 2021. Super good. — a year ago