WTN - 76 Leoville Lascases

76 Leoville Lascases, St. Julien
Surprisingly , the nose has still lots of life in it. Focused refined nose consists of almost crushed fresh red berry dominates the nose with a good amount of mint to provide the uplift. Some wood , spices and forest floor emerges as it evolves and turns to soy at the end, a lovely and lively nose indeed for this age. Lots of energy in the palate, full, rich and powerful yet with structured, like iron in silk glove. Loads of ripe tannin and very good impact on mid palate. Then refreshing , delicate and mouthwatering acidity came in which carries through all the way to the gentle and lovely finish. While it's not a blockbuster, but to be able to enjoy a well crafted matured claret in good condition is such a lovely experience indeed!

Got it for $90USD which is a steal.

[David M. Bueker]

That is a steal, especially given the ultimate condition of the bottle. I've had the '75 LAs Cases, but not the '76. The only recent '76 I have had was Margaux, and it was not good, but Margaux had not yet experienced its quality revival in '76.

David,

How was the '75? As you probably know, I've long thought that many '75s (and '86s) were too tannic to ever come into balance. I hope I'm wrong because I have a few cases of top '86s.

[David M. Bueker]

Granted it was a couple of years ago, but I thought it was very good, but indeed still a bit tannic. Now that's not such a bad thing depending on what you serve it with. This was part of a blind tasting, so it didn't come with dinner but I think it could have been a lovely partner with some braised dish (beef, pork or even chicken).

I've had good luck with '76 Bordeaux in general, though I can't recall having the LLC. They can be quite "civilized", with decent ripeness, and the integration and subtlety that only age can bring! I like to slow-O them. Good buys at auction offentimes too!

I had some good acquaintance with 75 and this Lynch Bage is great given that I paid only $70USD (with 100tax still charged in HK) . It takes more than 30 years for the harsh tannin to shed!

'75 Lynch Bages, Pauilhac, Bordeaux : This is my last bottle of this wine and certainly it must be the highlight of the evening!! Brick red in the glass, fully matured. Just when you think the '89 Lagrange is already "oh wowing", this nice claret just pushes the standard to another level! Intense Chinese Dried preserved plum in the nose in first attack then evolved nicely to roast beef and dried flower. In the mouth, it filled up the whole mid-palete , full bodied yet with finesse and focus. Long plummy finish, smooth smooth and smooth. Went downhill after an hour, but BRAVO still!! (tasted 2006)