Château Léoville Las Cases 2023, Saint-Julien 2° Grand Cru Classé - Parker 96+

Winemaker and Vineyard: The Clos Léoville las Cases contains a terroir of great complexity. Made up primarily of Quaternary gravel on gravelly-sandy and gravelly-clay subsoils, one also encounters more or less deep and compact clays, sometimes even outcropping. The proximity of the Gironde is responsible for this unique diversity of soils, created over geological periods, by successive superpositions. In addition, the river generates a very specific microclimate that allows for early ripening of the grapes and protects the vineyard from frost. This range of geological combinations influences the development of the vine and the composition of the grapes: regular but limited water supply and low nutritional inputs promote the expression of great Cabernets Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs that always reach their quintessence. This incomparable terroir gives the Grand Vin its unique personality.

Tasting: The 2023 Léoville Las Cases has turned out very well, offering up classic notes of cassis, violets, pencil shavings and mint, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered palate that's classically proportioned, seamless and penetrating. Its sweet tannins are even better integrated than they were in cask, and while this remains a comparatively structured wine for the vintage, it will be more youthfully approachable than I anticipated.

One of the greatest and most consistent estates of the Médoc, Léoville Las Cases is in terrific form today. The core of the estate is the 50-hectare "Clos," surrounded by walls and bordering the Gironde to the immediate south of its neighbor, Latour. In the vineyards, where Cabernet Sauvignon rules, the team are experimenting with cover crops and biodynamic methods, and in the cellars and chai, winemaking remains very traditional. 

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany truffled partridges.