1978 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien, France 1.5L

This is a classic Las Cases made in a relatively austere style. Nevertheless, there are authoritative flavors, as well as plenty of richness. The deep color has taken on some amber at the edge, and the bouquet is more evolved than the flavors. This mineral, herb, wet stone, roasted herb, and cassis-scented wine offers considerable olfactory enjoyment. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with high acidity, this well-proportioned wine still exhibits hefty tannin in the finish, but there is plenty of freshness and gobs of fruit and character.