One of the more formidably backward and potentially long-lived wines of the vintage, the medium to full-bodied 2011 Leoville Las Cases behaves like a first-growth, which in a sense it truly is. Revealing a dense inky/purple color, it is a structured, rich, impressively endowed effort that is meant for the long haul. Atypical for this vintage, it requires 5-7 years of bottle age and should drink well for two decades thereafter. The final blend was 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Yields were a low 27 hectoliters per hectare, and the natural alcohol achieved 13.4%

93+ points, Wine Advocate (April 2014)

This shows so much spice and berry character on the nose. Focused and beautiful. Full body with a clearly outstanding core of fruit and polished tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. Reminds me of the superb 1996.

95 points, JamesSuckling.com (January 2014)

Brilliant dark red-ruby. Captivating aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant, Asian spices and graphite. Brisk and juicy in the mouth, showing excellent cut to its flavors of red berries, pepper, sweet spices and minerals. Finishes with a firm tannic spine and lingering notes of dark cherry and violet. Backward but very promising. As usual, owner Jean-Hubert Delon has come up with one of the top ten wines of the vintage. This 2011 lacks only the incredible silkiness of tannins of LLC's best vintages; otherwise it's an absolute gem.

92+ points, Vinous (July 2014)