Popped and doubled decanted. Not that much sediment yet. Nose is rich in iron-scented wet clay, with sweet, dense cherry fruit trying to push its way through. Some dried underbrush as well. Densely-flavored initially, and then the relatively crisp acids take over, and the palate thins out a little but lingers. Flavors include barely-ripe cassis and dark cherry, with loads of minerally clay notes. Bone dry. Still feels a bit tight. Drinking well now but no rush. — 4 months ago
2000 vintage. Last tasted 9.25.23 (9.2) after 1.5 hours decanted. Popped and decanted this for lunch. Great fill and solid cork. Throwing a bit of sed but less than anticipated. Meh nose. Medium body initially. Started off on the rich side of the ledger but not plush. Had some smoothness afoot. Tasted after 45 mins open, 1.75 hours open and 8 hours open. First two were unspectacular. After lounging in the decanter 8 hours, wine had firmed up, thinned out, picked up plenty of secondary flavors and had that previously missing grip. If you're gonna open this during the holidays or anytime soon, do it very very early...otherwise, it'll be a total waste. Wine has miles to go. No rush to crush but just air it out in advance properly. 10.16.24. — 6 months ago
1.5 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable purplish magenta color. On the nose: very aeromatic notes of black & red berries, truffles, loamy soil, worn leather, tobacco leaf, floral, herbaceous. Taste: soft, elegant, balanced, layered mouthfeel wine with blackberry, dark plum, leather, crushed granite, dried herbs, and a spiced cedar long finish with some dusty tannins. YUM! At the start of its drinking window with 20-30 years to go, so no rush. — a month ago
2013 vintage. Zero issues with fill or cork. Not decanted but it was so rambunctious, likely would have shown even better with one. Tasted after 45 mins, 1.5 hours and 3 hours open. Medium body. Nose a mysterious mélange of spent coffee grounds and that expected Grands Échézeaux Asian spice presence. Cranberry tartness right away in the flavors minimized by black tea notes and the coffee/Asian spice twofer. Minute-long finish. Barely harnessed power throughout. Tasting as if it has just kicked in the door to the upper part of the bell curve and a handful of years before reaching the absolute apex. Simply no rush to crush as this is beginning its heroic phase. If you do indulge, open early and trace the development. Many don't like to decant red Burgs but this should be an exception. Needs both big time and big air. 12.09.24. — 4 months ago
Medium garnet , medium wide garnet terracotta rim . Tobacco , sous bois , touch of ash and coffee . On the palate quite rounded but firm tannins , dark cassis , cedar , sous bois . Good acidity and medium grafite tinged finish . Overall a touch rustic in comparison to the other Leovilles , but this is drinking perfectly now , no rush however as this held up well in the glass,
so now and over the next 5-10 years — 8 months ago
2013 vintage. Both excellent fill and cork. Decanted with infinitesimal sed. Slightly silvery color. Tasted after 1.5 and 2.5 hours open. Medium body. Nose slightly reticent during both tastes. Black tea and eucalyptus prominent first go round with both those still present but minimized second pass. Sprinkle in some cracked black pepper and white sage for round two and we have a winner. Finish lasted over a minute and the concentration was as expected given the decent street cred. No rush to crush but open waay early/decant this if enjoying in the next handful of years. 10.24.24. — 6 months ago
Andrew Cullimore
Medium ruby garnet , narrow garnet rim . Quite deep spicy tobacco , cassis , redcurrant , grafite , smoky herbal notes on the nose. On the palate this is quite restrained and elegant , with a mix of red and dark fruits , cassis , blueberry , red currant , touch of menthol also . Good refreshing acidity and slightly gritty tannins , good length with grafite and tobacco stained finish . This is showing well and is probably at peak at the moment , no rush as it will stay here for another 8-10 years or so . — 16 days ago