Chateau Leoville Las Cases, Saint Julien 2eme Cru AOC, Chateau Leoville Las Cases
1945, Bordeaux, France
Classification Saint Julien 2eme Cru AOC
Colour / Type Red
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 13%
Grape Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot
Average score 93
Leoville Las Cases occupies one of the largest vineyard locations in the northern Medoc, a stone s throw from Chateau Latour. Whilst its vineyards technically sit in the commune of Saint Julien, stylistically it has a closer resemblance to the bold and robust fruit characteristics of Pauillac. Master of Wine David Roberts comments If Las Cases lay within the commune of Pauillac it would surely be a classified as a 1st growth. It really is one of the Medoc s greatest estates. The current holdings of Las Cases, totalling 98 hectares, lie in two main parcels and some smaller plots here and there. The first stretches north from the town of Saint Julien along the D2 up to the border with Chateau Latour in Pauillac. The second parcel lies to the west of Saint Julien where the wine for Clos du Marquis is sourced. As such, Clos du Marquis is not a second wine in the traditional sense, and the Delons prefer to think of Las Cases as two estates in one, with each having its own identity and style. Las-Cases has always aimed very high but in the past 20 years, they have taken an even more rigorous approach, both in vineyard and cellar. The introduction of a second wine, Le Petit Lion de Las Cases, in 2007 only served to further opt the quality of the Grand Vin.
About Chateau Leoville Las Cases
Château Léoville Las Cases, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, is one of the oldest and most prestigious estates in the Médoc region. Its origins date back to the 17th century, and over time, it has become synonymous with exceptional quality and classic Bordeaux style. The estate covers around 98 hectares, with vineyards situated on the famous “Clos Léoville Las Cases,” a walled plot that borders the Gironde estuary and is adjacent to the vineyards of Château Latour in Pauillac. The unique terroir, composed of deep gravel soils with clay subsoils, provides ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, the primary grape varieties used in their wines.
The vineyard is meticulously managed, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and respect for the environment. The average age of the vines is over 50 years, ensuring low yields and concentrated fruit. The team employs traditional methods, including hand harvesting and rigorous selection of grapes, both in the vineyard and at the sorting table. This attention to detail continues in the cellar, where vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and wood vats. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new oak, allowing for complexity and depth to develop while preserving the purity of the fruit.
Château Léoville Las Cases produces wines that are celebrated for their elegance, structure, and remarkable ageing potential. The grand vin, Château Léoville Las Cases, is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, typically blended with Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. It is known for its deep color, aromatic complexity, and powerful yet refined palate, featuring notes of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and spice. The wine’s tannic structure and freshness make it capable of evolving beautifully over decades. In addition to the flagship wine, the estate also produces a second wine, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases, which offers earlier drinking pleasure while maintaining the estate’s signature style and quality.
The philosophy of Château Léoville Las Cases centers on expressing the character of its exceptional terroir through precise viticulture and winemaking. The estate’s commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of production, from vineyard management to bottling. The team, led by Jean-Hubert Delon, upholds family traditions while embracing innovation and scientific advances to continually improve quality and sustainability.
Château Léoville Las Cases is part of Domaines Delon, a family-owned group that includes other prestigious Bordeaux properties such as Château Nénin in Pomerol and Château Potensac in the Médoc. This association allows for the sharing of expertise and resources, further enhancing the quality and reputation of each estate. Visitors to Château Léoville Las Cases can experience not only the wines but also the rich history and heritage of the estate, set amidst the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Julien.
Today, Château Léoville Las Cases stands as a benchmark for Bordeaux’s Left Bank, consistently producing wines of distinction that are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Its dedication to terroir, tradition, and innovation ensures that each vintage reflects the unique identity of the estate and the enduring legacy of the Delon family.