I like the wines from St.-Julien a lot. They represent the Burgundy within Bordeaux, IMO. Very pure and silky wines, without the flaws Burgundy sometimes has... Time to open a Las Cases '94 and see what it would bring.

The fill of the bottle was very high, almost reaching the cork. The provenance of it was known and outstanding. Color was lively red, with just some slight amber edging. Initial nose was very backward. Oak and plum. On the palate oak, oak, tannins, tannins and... cassisfruit. Time to decant!

After an hour the wine opened up. The nose became floral, with nice hints of vanilla, tobacco and berryfruit. Very nice. On the palate not a blockbuster, but refined and very intelligent. Chocolate, cassisfruit, lovely vanilla and soft oak. Balanced! Acidity quite high, but I don't mind. Finished very nice.

Las Cases is a strict, serious wine. Very well-crafted by experts and I rate it easily 91-92 points. But Lagrange and Poyferré make wines more 'friendly' and give you a smile when you drink them.

The appellation is small and overall style is simular, but ideas behind the wines are different! Still great wines on all levels!

Nice tasting note.

I have long been a fan of Las Cases and Clos du Marquis, but did not buy the '94.

Glad it was showing well

Thanks wine + art,

I think I shouldn't hold it until max. 2020 like reported by Parker. The acidity in the last glasses started to overtake the fruit and a bit of balance was lost. But a great effort, considering the 'weak vintage'...

Roel,
I hate you! Why did you tell me about this board!? I now have to deal with morons of Gargantuanian proportions, all thanks to you!

You're welcome!

Had one of these in June, defintely starting to drink well, I liked it slightly better than your review and will be enjoying this one over the next several years.

Pippin, I'm not in a hurry to drink the remaining bottles. I try another next year.