Winemaker and vineyard: The Clos Léoville las Cases houses a terroir of great complexity. Mostly composed of Quaternary gravel on gravelly-sandy and gravelly-clayey subsoils, there are also varying depths of clay, sometimes even surfacing. The proximity to the Gironde is responsible for this unique diversity of soils, created over geological periods through successive superimpositions. Moreover, the river generates a very specific microclimate that allows for early grape ripening and protects the vineyard from frost. This range of geological combinations influences the development of the vines 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 that always achieve their quintessence. This incomparable terroir gives the Grand Vin its unique personality.

Tasting: One of the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux, the 2017 Léoville Las Cases is a beautiful Saint-Julien that bursts from the glass with expressive aromas of cassis, wild berries, pencil shavings, violets and a subtle hint of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, its unusually charming, sensual profile largely conceals a considerable endowment of tannin and a bright spine of acidity. Largely spared by the frost due to its optimal location on the bank of the Gironde, and subject to a draconian selection, the 2017's giving style reflects not only the vintage but also more restrained use of press wine chez Las Cases, seeing only 7% in the blend as opposed to the 10% to 12% that was typical not too long ago. It's a masterpiece.

Service: Serve at cellar temperature (16-18°C). This wine pairs well with game.