Léoville-Las Cases St-Julien 1998

98 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "1998 was a late flowering year but the grapes achieved perfect ripeness by harvest time. It's an excellent vintage that's generally known as a Right Bank year, but is more than holding its own over in St-Julien. At this point we are starting to see what a mature Léoville can do: the edges are softening to a russet colour and the cigar-box edge is apparent, alongside notes of hedgerow, undergrowth, rosemary, black cherry, cassis, and a touch of menthol on the finish. Drinking Window: 2019-2038. (Nov 2018)"

95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Absolutely complete and emblematic of this terroir, with noble aroma of cedar and incomparably classy tannins. Few wines surpass it in the vintage. Drink 2011 up to 2023. (2011)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): " Curiously, this seems to be only my second bite at this vintage, even though I have had a number of bottles resting in my cellar for many years. In the glass it displays an impressive hue, surprisingly dark at its core, youthful too, glossy even, and certainly impressive for twenty years of age. There follows a quite classic nose, with maturing Cabernet scents of juniper and bay leaf, underpinned by a little gritty fruit which feels reminiscent of blackcurrant skin. The palate feels gently textured, quite dry in terms of its structure through the middle, showing a little austerity even, with flavours of dry currants and peppered fruits. It has the feel of a wine which is slightly stretched out, lacking the substance and stuffing of a truly great vintage, but I admire its long, fresh and acid-framed finish. It is certainly classically poised, with a rather modest length, although I wonder if it has faded a little since my last taste six years ago? It is still very good though, and there is no rush to drink up here. (Dec 2018)"

95 points Wine & Spirits (Apr 2002).

94 points James Suckling: "Loads of tobacco and mushroom with some wet earth and currant throughout. Medium-bodied, creamy and juicy with lovely energy. Real Bordeaux here. Savory finish. Drink now. (1/12/21)"

93 points Robert Parker: "The 1998 has turned out to be one of the vintage's superb Medocs. It boasts an opaque black/purple color as well as a classic Leoville Las Cases display of lead pencil, gorgeously pure black raspberries and cherries, smoke, and graphite. A broad yet focused entry on the palate reveals firm tannin, medium to full body, superb concentration and purity, as well as a totally symmetrical mouthfeel. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. (Apr 2001)"

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 1998 Léoville Las-Cases is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. This is fresh and lively on the nose, quite backward and certainly one of the most “undeveloped” of the 1998 Left Banks that I tasted. I appreciate the delineation on display here, the black fruit opening with time, secondary scents of seaweed, pencil lead and a touch of truffle emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, plenty of taut black fruit laced with iron and that beguiling marine-like tincture that runs from start to finish. This is a solid Las-Cases and 20 years of age that probably still needs another four or five years in bottle. Excellent and moreover and it improved with aeration after a two-hour decanting. Tasted at the château. Drink: 2018-2030. (May 2018)"