Wine: Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon 1971Winery: Jean Leon (Pla del Penedès, Barcelona)
Appellation / Region: Penedès (Labeled as Denominación de Origen Controlada)
Varietals: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 12%
Appellation / Region: Penedès (Labeled as Denominación de Origen Controlada)
Varietals: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 12%
Winemaking
Grapes sourced from the "La Scala" estate, an 8-hectare vineyard planted between 1962 and 1963 with cuttings from Château Lafite Rothschild and La Lagune. Vinification was conducted partly in concrete vats and 225-liter American oak barriques, where the wine was subsequently aged for 24 months. Bottled in mid-1974. Limited production of 16,600 bottles (75 cl), 250 Magnums, and 125 Double Magnums.
Grapes sourced from the "La Scala" estate, an 8-hectare vineyard planted between 1962 and 1963 with cuttings from Château Lafite Rothschild and La Lagune. Vinification was conducted partly in concrete vats and 225-liter American oak barriques, where the wine was subsequently aged for 24 months. Bottled in mid-1974. Limited production of 16,600 bottles (75 cl), 250 Magnums, and 125 Double Magnums.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Garnet-ruby hue of medium depth; luminous and brilliant with orange glints and a clear rim.
Nose:
High intensity and remarkable complexity—fragrant and spicy. It offers a
surprising concentration of reduced black fruit with a distinct
varietal character: myrtle jam, blueberries, blackcurrants, and
macerated plums. This fruit core is enveloped in noble wood, cedar,
shaded forest floor (monte umbrío),
humus, wet earth, leather, and cigar humidor. As it breathes, it gains
finesse, unveiling creamy nuances, cinnamon, and aromatic herbs
(lavender, violet candy), followed by licorice and mentholated accents.
It shows an undeniable Bordeaux influence tempered by a persistent
Mediterranean warmth.
Palate:
Highly polished by time, yet it retains a slightly austere and rustic
edge, supported by a firm structure and mature tannins. Abundant black
fruit jam with a subtle off-dry (abocado)
hint. It shows excellent volume—broad, savory, and poised. A wine of
immense pleasure and longevity that defies the typical Spanish profile
of the era. Harmonious, buoyant, and truly elegant.
Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 94
Tasting Group Score: 94
The 1971 Vintage: Rated as "Very Good" (MB) for red wines by the D.O. Penedès Regulatory Board.
No comments:
Post a Comment