2006 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, Grand Vin, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml)

NM96 "Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. Jean-Hubert’s crown jewel is always difficult to assess in blind conditions, although the longer you leave it in your glass, the more it unfurls and your points start ratcheting up. The 2006 is no different: a rich, meaty nose with mulberry, sloe, pencil lead, a touch of shoe polish. The palate is medium-bodied, very sleek and smooth on the entry, ripe and rounded, quite sensuous and ravishing with plush black fruit, well-integrated new oak and a decadent, domineering primal finish that will demand 10-12 years cellaring. Tasted January 2010." NM for TWJ Sep 2010

JA96 "Tension and muscular energy on display, with sweet plums and cassis, which are polished to perfection. Strands of silky, weighty, well-worked tannins are exceptional for the vintage. Still young, with a full life ahead, but I’d be happy to plough through its youthful stage by decanting for a few hours and sinking into this beautifully balanced, monumental wine." JA for DR Jun 2016

RP95 "The 2006 Léoville Las Cases is muscular and uncompromising, unwinding to reveal aromas of dark berries, cassis, burning embers, espresso roast, exotic spices, loamy soil and toasty oak. Full-bodied, rich and extracted, it's a deep, brooding wine with considerable depth and concentration, framed by an abundance of sweet, powdery tannin. It possesses considerable potential, but it continues to require patience." WK for TWA Aug 2022

WS95 "Offers a pure nose of crushed raspberry and violet, with aniseed. Full-bodied, with beautiful, well-integrated tannins and a long, polished texture to the finish. Very beautiful. Harmonious and structured. Best after 2015." JS for WS Mar 2009