Château Léoville Las Cases 2018, Saint-Julien 2° Grand Cru Classé - Parker 99

Winemaker and vineyard: Le Clos Léoville las Cases contains a terroir of great complexity. It is mostly composed of Quaternary gravel on gravelly-sandy and gravelly-clayey subsoils, with varying depths of clay, some of which are even close to the surface. The proximity of the Gironde River is responsible for this unique diversity of soils, created over geological periods through successive superpositions. Additionally, the river generates a specific microclimate that allows for early grape ripening and protects the vineyard from frost. This range of geological combinations influences the vine's development and the composition of the grapes: regular but limited water supply and low nutritional inputs favor the expression of the great Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs, which always reach their quintessence. This incomparable terroir gives the Grand Vin its unique personality.

Tasting: The 2018 Léoville Las Cases is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Merlot. Harvested from September 15 to October 4 with yields of 35.5 hectoliters per hectare, it has 14.49% alcohol and was aged in 90% new barriques. Deep purple-black colored, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to reveal striking scents of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly, giving way to notions of crushed rocks, lavender, Indian spices, unsmoked cigars, and black truffles, plus a provocative waft of rose oil. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, accented by bright, lively red berry and floral sparks. It has a rock-solid frame of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully minerally. The tannins are so beautifully approachable even at this youthful stage, making it delicious to drink now, but afford it 5-6 years in bottle to allow those finer nuances to emerge and drink it over the next 40+ years. - robertparker.com (03.31.2021)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C). This wine pairs perfectly with roast venison.