Region: Saint-Julien, Bordeaux

Grapes: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon、11% Cabernet Franc、8% Merlot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Website: https://www.domaines-delon.com/

🌟 Second Growth 1855 Grand Cru Classe

🏅 Jeb Dunnuck 98 pts

🏅 James Suckling 98 pts

🏅 Vinous 98 pts

🏅 Decanter 97 pts

🏅 Wine Spectator 96 pts

A STORY THAT STARTED IN THE 17TH CENTURY

One of the oldest Medoc estates, Domaine deLéoville belonged to some of the wealthiest and most influential noble French families before it was acquired by the Las Cases family. The estate was split up between 1826 and 1840 as a result of the French Revolution. (Expropriation of emigrants’ property and constitution of egalitarian redistribution). Château Léoville Las Cases was created, thanks to a kind of birthright, from 3/5 of the original estate and the heart of the domain.

The Grand Vin’s current terroir has therefore been at the historic heart of the original terroir since the 17th century. Pierre Jean, A dolphe and Gabriel de Las Cases were successive heirs to the property until 1900, when Théophile Skawinski purchased a share in the estate and became its manager. Léoville Las Cases has now been managed by the same family since the late 19th century and is today represented by Jean-Hubert Delon, sole owner of the Château and proprietor of Château Potensacin the Medoc and Château Nénin in Pomerol.

AN EXCEPTIONAL, UNIQUE TERROIR

The Clos encases a terroir of very great complexity. It is mainly composed of Quaternary gravel ("graves")over gravelly sand and gravelly clay subsoils. We also find clays which are variably deep and compact, but which sometimes break through to the surface.The proximity of the Gironde River has created the wide diversity of soils,formed over various geological periods by successive superimpositions.

The river also creates a special micro climate that enables very early ripening of the grapes and protects the vineyards from frost. This cameo of geological combinations influences the growth of the vine and the composition of the grapes: regular but restricted water supply and a very low intake of nutrients bring out the best in the great Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs which usually achieve their full potential whatever the vintage. The incomparable terroir gives this great wine its unique personality.

The Grand Vin is the product of exceptional terroirs from the former Léoville estate.
These terroirs are located mainly in the Clos Léoville Las Cases, which you pass as you leave Saint- Julien village for Pauillac. They extend over nearly 60ha producing Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs with a complex, polished expression and characteristics which are totally unique to the Grand Vin of Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases and have been widely recognized for years.

Rating

Jeb Dunnuck 98 pts

Another 2020 that's going to demand patience, the 2020 Château Léoville Las Cases is a Cabernet Sauvignon–dominated blend that includes 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot, raised in 80% new French oak. It's a regal, medium- to full-bodied, concentrated, flawlessly balanced 2020 with a pure core of cassis and darker currant fruits, a layered, seamless mouthfeel carrying substantial tannins, perfectly integrated oak, and subtle floral, mineral, and leafy herb nuances. Playing in the concentrated yet focused and structured style of the vintage, it will need a decade to reach the early stages of its prime drinking window and will offer 50–75 years of longevity.

James Suckling 98 pts

A linear and very racy wine with super fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Superb. It’s full-bodied yet really focused and polished with length and intensity. Lots of currants and graphite. Very classy and fine. The new 1996. Give it six to seven years to come around.

$1780/支