I just thought it would be interesting to see what highest rated LLC vintages for 1980-2000 are on CT if I only looked at notes in the last 3 years (It was a lazy search and some clos du marquis showed up too).
Order was
1990 - 95.3
2000 - 95.1
1982 - 94.9
1996 - 94.7
1986 - 94.6
Just thought it would be interesting to share.
Going back to the original question of 2000 vs 2010 vs 2016, I feel like I have for the moment ruled out 2010 and 2016. Now thinking about 1996 vs 2000 and leaning towards 2000.
As always this group has been superbly helpful. If there are any other inputs, please keep sharing.
I have had all of the above mentioned vintages. All those mentioned, the 89 is the weakest. I just had it and it doesnât compare to the 2000, 96, 90 86,85 or 82. All of which are worth their prices IMHO. The 89 not so much.
The 82 is absolutely stunning and is currently at its peak. The 86 which is a different beast but also very good has been increasing in price quite a bit. Itâs mature but easily has another 20 years to go. I just has the 82 and the 89 side by side a couple weeks ago. The 82 was an off bottle but the 89 was not. It just wasnât at the level of a $250 aged super second. I have not had the 96 or 2000 recently enough to compare. If you want to consume these in the next 5 years the 82 or 86 is the way to go. If you donât mind waiting 10 years plus the 2000 will be great.
Having tasted perhaps a dozen 1982s, it is really hit and miss, and the misses outnumber the hits about two to one. Even at its best, I have never scored it higher than 96.
I feel occasionally the wine is forced, and for me, the better vintages are those where it seems more relaxed and easy; 1985, 1989 and my favorite Las Cases, the 1996.
Plenty of good advice here, but I think the added variable is your taste. 1985 is going to show more development and softer edges. 1990 is going to show more fruit and the warmth of the vintage. 1996 will be more fruity, forward, and depending on storage, still relatively tannic. What do you like in Bordeaux to drink now?
I like more development. My last 1996 LLC (last year) was excellent but definitely on the edge of too young. To my palate, for wine to drink in the next couple of years Iâd be buying 85/86 and maybe 89. 1982 would be nice but only really is an option if youâre very price insensitive.
1985 is great (although in danger of TCA) ⌠1982 is slowly reaching apogee, 1988 is accessable ⌠and 1992 is very nice to drink âŚ
I was served 2006 two days ago ⌠impressive- but no real fun to drink âŚ
1975 on the same day was still strong (although Mouton was superior)
I wouldnât open LLC before 20y of age ⌠better 25+
Thanks guys. I did hear from my contact at the domaine and they are willing to do a special late release of 1985. Letâs see what it is priced at. Itâs hard to see how it will be priced anything like 1996, which is available for $225/bottle in the UK. And I am in no rush to bring it over.
Still waiting for the price. Got introduced to Their US distributor.
Here is a word from the winery on 1985 vs 1996
âIf I had to compare 85 and 96, I would say that one is in the perfect drinking window and the other can wait for another 10 years easy.
But the 2 vintages are pretty much the most succesful ones at Las Cases.â
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