JAMES SUCKLING: "Very complex and alluringly spicy aromas that bubble in and out of the nose, together with fresh tobacco, raspberries and iodine, moving into blackcurrants, blackberries and a gently gravely, stony edge. The palate has incredible polish that is a foil for the intense power and concentration of this wine. The texture is flawless, building smoothly with fine-grained and focused tannins that sustain a long, fresh finish. The new 1986, which was a legend. This is probably better. A blend of 75 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 14 per cent merlot and 11 per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2024."

ROBERT PARKER - THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Very deep purple-black colored, the 2016 Léoville Las Cases (composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc) is quite closed to begin, yet with patient coaxing it unfurls beautifully to reveal suggestions of ripe blackcurrants, black raspberries, warm redcurrants and wild blueberries, followed by touches of unsmoked cigars, tilled red soil, cast iron pan, fallen leaves and lavender plus wonderfully fragrant wafts of lilacs and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly knit, very subtle layers of minerals, floral notions and black and red berries, all framed by exquisitely ripe, silt-like tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Simply captivating even in its youth, give it at least a decade in the cellar and then enjoy it over the next 50+ years. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown"

WINE SPECTATOR: "This is really dense, yet remarkably polished and poised, delivering wave after wave of blueberry, açaí berry, raspberry and blackberry puree notes, all while warm tar and sweet tobacco details cruise underneath. There's a long, smoldering cast iron note through the finish that adds both austerity and authority in a truly unique manner. Best from 2025 through 2045. - James Molesworth"

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, dezente Randaufhellung, zart nach Lakritze und Cassis, tabakige Nuancen, feiner Edelholztouch, zart nach kandierten Orangenzesten. Kraftvoll engmaschig, reife Kirschen, präsente, integrierte Tannine, frischer Säurebogen, dunkle Beerenfrucht im Abgang, gut anhaltend, zitroniger Touch, mineralischer Nachhall, ein Vin der Garde, der gute zehn Jahre bis zur ersten Trinkreife benötigen wird. - Peter Moser"