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! — 3 years ago
I caught this beauty at the perfect moment in its aging. The terpenes are just emerging and the honey apple ginger notes are still fresh and lovely. I look forward to my next finger lakes expedition to stock up on Rieslings to age! — 4 years ago
Cheap and cheery! — 6 years ago
Soft taste in a fantastic bottle of plastic, what means easy and light weight for travelling — 2 years ago
Nice blackberry, vanilla and soft tannins. Fruit flavors are present and nicely balanced. Paired well with the cast iron bavette. — 4 years ago
Feels like coming home. Lovely strong fruit forward flavors, easy drinking, some spice, some plum, lovely finish — 4 years ago
Dark, powerful wine. Blackberry & cracked pepper with chalky tannins just played perfectly with grillled Tri tip. This showed some great earthy notes as it opened up. Thoroughly enjoyed this wine. Paired up with what should be a country rock classic, The Fantastic Expedition Of Dillard & Clark. Ex-Byrd Gene Clark had a better run after he left the band & this is one of his highlights. — 5 years ago
Connie Radwanski
Nice tannis and smooth finish! — a month ago