With one of the longest and most pedigreed histories in the Medoc region, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases has passed through the hands of some of France’s most notable and wealthiest noble families, culminating in the Las Cases family - the final royal family to hold title to the Chateau. Up until the French Revolution, after which large portions of it were sold off, it was one of the largest vineyards in Bordeaux.
Today, the estate remains family owned by the Delons, of which brother Jean Hubert and sister Genevieve manage proceedings. Famed for producing a wine of structure, power, and traditional style, the 2016 vintage has earned outstandingly high praise, including a score of 100 from Andrew Caillared and a 19/20 from Jancis Robinson who praised its “extraordinary vitality and energy” and proclaimed it “glorious to taste now.”
Sensational aromas of currants, berries, minerals and flowers. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins. Starts off slowly, then builds on the palate and goes on and on. Could be even better than 2000, and I gave that 100. This wine makes my head spin. Amazing. Layered and long. This is so 100-points. JS 95-100
For Jean-Hubert Delon, Leoville Las-Cases’ 2005 is reminiscent of the 1996 and 1986. Only 37% of the production made it into the final blend of 87.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.6% Merlot, and 4.8% Cabernet Franc. The 13.1% alcohol content is actually lower than the 2002's, because of the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vibrant, fresh 2005 reveals high tannin along with a beautiful deep ruby/purple color, and classic notes of cassis and cherries intermixed with minerals and a judicious touch of toasty oak. This concentrated, classically built, structured claret is meant for the long haul, but it will not provide much pleasure over the next decade. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+. RP Jr. 92-94
Deep colour. Intense liquorice/ camomile/ violet/ black berry aromas. A richly concentrated palate with violet/ blackberry flavours and savoury oak nuances. The tannins are fine and slinky building up firm and chalky at the finish. This is a wine looking more like Pauillac than St Julien with its sheer power and finesse. 2020-2030. AC 93-96
Small but mighty, the appellation of St.-Julien, on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, has long enjoyed a reputation for exceptional quality and consistency. Compared to its neighbours in Bordeaux, St.-Julien produces the highest proportion of classified-growth wines, with more than three-quarters of the vineyards devoted to top-ranked producers. They include several “Super Second” chateaux and many other outstanding classified growths and Cru Bourgeois. Saint-Julien wines are beautifully balanced, with a great richness, depth of colour, and elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon prevails, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc used for blending in the classic Bordeaux style.
