"It is certainly one of Bordeaux’s longest-lived wines, and seems to have more and more of a character resembling Lafite Rothschild more than its nearby neighbor, Chateau Latour." ~Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Chateau Leoville-Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville'
Léoville-Las Cases in particular has garnered such a compelling stance as a Bordeaux Super Second that Wine Spectator has deemed it to be “the Sixth First Growth.” Even the single 50-hectare plot from which this fruit is sourced abuts the famed vineyards of Pauillac’s southernmost 1er cru, Château Latour! Undoubtedly if the rankings were to see any new additions to its top tier, Léoville-Las Cases would be next in line for an upgrade. These wines offer the value of premier cru without the expense.
Château Leoville-Barton
Another quintessential expression of Saint-Julien is the more classic styling of Léoville-Barton. While the fruit is typically selected earlier in the harvest season to offer a fresher, more food-friendly wine, the warmth of 2003 gave this style more impactful weight and perfume that has aged beautifully over the years. The Barton family, who has passed the estates down generation to generation since 1826, prizes drinkability and balance, which has earned them a reputation for affordability with refinement. Together with its more immense counterpart, these two producers can show the range Saint-Julien has to offer and can exemplify a well-rounded experience of a particular terroir on the Left Bank.
Léoville-Las Cases Wine Vintages
Léoville-Las Cases 1990s
The 1990s were a particularly triumphant decade for the estate, with the 1990, 1995, 1996, and 1998 vintages receiving critical acclaim. These vintages exemplify the harmonious interplay between the power of Cabernet Sauvignon and the elegance of Merlot. James Suckling awarded the 1995 vintage 97 points, captivated by its "forest flowers, wild mushrooms and tobacco" aromas, describing it as "long and enticing." The 1996 vintage achieved even greater renown, earning 98 points from the Wine Advocate, which declared, "It stands as one of the best wines of the vintage without one iota of doubt and it will last 30-40 years." 1996 was a distinctive year that has grown more herbaceous and savory with time while still maintaining its pronounced intensity.
Léoville-Las Cases 2003
Celebrate the 21st birthday of this 2003 duo from Saint-Julien and experience a side-by-side snapshot of how this powerful vintage has evolved over the years!
Léoville-Las Cases 2005
2005 was a universally-admired vintage that has shown enormous energy and ageability. It was not only a successful vintage throughout the Bordeaux region, one that will be cherished for decades, but the 2005 vintage showed the Léoville-Las Cases wines beautifully.
Château Leoville-Las Cases Second Label
Beyond the Grand Vin, Léoville-Las Cases also offers two exceptional wines: Clos du Marquis, a separate wine that originated as a single-vineyard bottling, and Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las-Cases, a second wine introduced in 2007 that showcases a higher percentage of Merlot from younger vines. These wines provide a glimpse into the estate's unwavering dedication to quality across its range.
