97 Points Robert Parker
As I wrote earlier this year, the 1982 Léoville Las Cases is one of the least evolved wines of the vintage, and this impeccably conserved ex-château bottle was, if anything, even more youthful still. Retaining a saturated ruby-black hue at age 40, it unwinds in the glass with aromas of cassis and other dark fruits mingled with notions of pencil shavings and loamy soil. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad-shouldered and muscular, with an ample core of fruit framed by voluminous, powdery tannins. Rich and concentrated, with an expansive, comparatively low-acid profile, it comes into its own with extended aeration—and with food.
Published: Dec 31, 2022 Drink 2012 - 2042.
Source: Robert Parker. Reviewed by: William Kelley.
95 Points Robert Parker
I have had perfect bottles of this cuvee, but, perplexingly, the bottles from my cellar tend to be broodingly backward and require plenty of coaxing. This huge wine is, in many ways, just as massive as Leoville Barton, but it possesses a greater degree of elegance as well as unreal concentration. Classic lead pencil, cassis, kirsch, cedar, and spice characteristics are abundant in both the nose and full-bodied flavors. The tannins are still there, and, at least from my cellar, this 1982 does not appear to have changed much in the last 10-12 years. One wonders how much patience admirers of this brilliant St.-Julien will continue to exhibit. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050. Release price: ($160.00/case)
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. June, 2009
98 Points Hooke
A perfect bottle of this legendary wine. Lovely deep, bright colour; superbly detailed bouquet of cassis, crushed leaf, tobacco and cedar, a gorgeous array of aromas and flavours on a beautifully modulated, supple and medium-bodied palate. It's in its sweet spot for drinking now and this bottle at least could have lived on much longer. Tannins are silken; balance impeccable. No alcohol on the label but would not be above 13% at my guess. Very much a pre-Parker, old-school Medoc and a wonderful drink. Drink 2025 - 2032.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. February, 2025
98 Points Hooke
Excellent deep colour and a youthful, bright, superbly preserved bouquet of cedar and restrained dark fruits, with the patina of bottle-age barely making an impression. The palate is full-bodied and elegantly proportioned, with marvellous balance and length. The tannins are supple but are still very much present in the dry aftertaste. This is a gentlemanly, dignified, savoury and classical style of Bordeaux which I dearly love. An excellent bottle of a famous wine: at 35 years it still has many years left in it. Drink 2017 - 2027.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. August, 2017