Tasting Notes
Vinous 90
Expressive aromas of smoked plum, roast coffee, nuts and game. Lush, dense and smooth; currant, cedar and leather flavors are more primary than those of the above wine. Finishes with rich, smooth tannins. Lovely wine.
Robert Parker 90
Tasted at the Las-Cases off-line at The Square. The 1997 Las-Cases is a solid performer for the vintage. It displays fine definition and freshness on the nose with blackberry leaf, crushed stone and briary, imbued with a sense of joie-de-vivre perhaps lacking on the ’99. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins lending it masculinity and structure. I like the tension here: a ’97 with energy and vivacity with a long sweet tail of black fruit towards the finish. Drinking now, but it will keep for another decade. Tasted February 2011.
JancisRobinson.com 16+
By far the deepest colour – still youthful crimson. Reticent nose but very suave tannin management on the palate. Quite an impact on the palate with acid and tannin in good balance but still very adolescent. Desperately introvert at the moment. Difficult to think of a fully evolved Las Cases of the current era – 1983? This should come right but I don’t really see the point of paying this sort of money for a wine that will never be absolutely top drawer.
Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014
