Château Leoville Las Cases 1945 'recorked 1993'

Château Léoville Las Cases 1945 - A Bordeaux legend

Château Léoville Las Cases 1945is one of the greatest wine myths of the 20th century. As one of the few outstanding vintages during the war and post-war period, it represents not only exceptional quality, but also the triumph of the terroir under extreme conditions.

Historical context & significance

• Vintage 1945:A highly symbolic year - the end of the Second World War in Europe. The grape harvest took place under difficult conditions (lack of labour, shortage of materials).

• Rank:Léoville Las Cases is considered "Super Second Growth" (second growth class in Bordeaux) and is often at first-growth level in terms of quality.

• Rarity: Very low production due to wartime influences; extremely rare today and almost only available at auction.

Terroir & winemaking

• Site: Grand vin from the heart of the "Clos Léoville Las Cases", surrounded by stone walls (adjacent to Latour).

• Grape varieties:Typical Médoc blend (approx. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot - historical estimates).

• Vinification: Traditional ageing in large oak barrels; limited technical possibilities in 1945.

Sensory profile (based on historical tastings)

• Colour: Surprisingly deep garnet red with amber reflections (sign of age).

• Nose: Complex aromas of dried plums, cedar wood, truffle, leather and tobacco. Tertiary notes dominate, combined with subtle fruit (blackcurrant).

• Palate: Powerful and concentrated despite its age. Structured tannins (now silky and integrated), lively acidity. Long finish with notes of damp soil, laurel and underground fruit.

• Special feature: The typical "iron minerality" of the terroir remains recognisable.

Ratings & legendary status

• Robert Parker: No official score, but described as "one of the greatest Bordeaux of the century".

• Michael Broadbent (†): Tasted multiple times; noted "Fabulous" (5 stars) and compared it to the First Growths of the vintage.

• Auction records: Regularly achieves prices of $200.00 per bottle (Sotheby's, Christie's), depending on provenance and condition.

Condition & drinking window

• Provenance decisive: Only bottles with unbroken, cool storage are intact.

• Drinking maturity: Drinkable since the 1980s, reached its plateau in the 1990s. Today in decline, but still a gripping experience if stored well (until around 2030).

• Risk: High risk of oxidation or cork in 80+ year old bottles.

Conclusion

The 1945 Léoville Las Cases is more than a wine - it is a document of its time, demonstrating the resilience of the Saint-Julien terroir under the most adverse conditions. Its profound, powerful profile and rare elegance with age make it a sacred grail of the Bordeaux collection. A tasting is a journey into history - touching, but only granted to a few.

"A wine that embodies the spirit of triumph and hope in a shattered world."
- Weithistoriker, about the 1945 vintage

Note:Tastings of this icon are extremely rare