95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | Wine 1996 |
Classification | Médoc - 2ème Cru Classé |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Saint Julien |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
Château | Château Leoville Las Cases |
Country | France |
The Château Léoville Las Cases is a french estate located in Saint Julien Beychevelle in Gironde. It is a second classified growth in Médoc classification of 1855.
Jean-Hubert Delon is not lacking in passion nor discipline. The vintages who marched during the past quarter century testify for him. In the Saint-Julien appellation, whether the wines are from in important vintage or a less significant one, they are without a doubt amongst the best. A property absolutely exemplary in the Bordeaux region. The largest of the three Léoville is certainly the greatest in quality and, in the opinion of many, it should be among the first growths. Michel Delon, the "Lord" as he was known, is largely responsible for this recognition.
Since 1976, when he succeeded his father, he worked to reconstruct the drainage of land, to modernize and expand the winery, monitor the performance of its vines. He had this deep attachment to land and work values. His son Jean-Hubert took over in 2000, following his disparition. Las Cases is a typical Saint-Julien of rare nobility of expression and has a breathtaking structure.
>> See all the crus classés in Médoc classification
DOMAINE PEYRE ROSE Clos Syrah Leone 1996
Coteaux du Languedoc
Hermitage Rouge
Saint Estèphe
Saint Julien
Pauillac
Saumur Champigny
Pomerol
Cornas
Saint Emilion
Saint Julien
Having previously rated it nearly perfect, I was apprehensive of a letdown about tasting the 1996 Leoville Las Cases once it had been bottled, but that concern was quickly dismissed once I put my nose in the glass. A profound Leoville Las Cases, it is one of the great modern day wines of Bordeaux. This wine's hallmark remains a sur-maturite (over-ripeness) of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Yet the wine has retained its intrinsic classicism, symmetry, and profound potential for complexity and elegance. The blackpurple color is followed by a spectacular nose of cassis, cherry liqueur, pain grille, and minerals. It is powerful and rich on the attack, with beautifully integrated tannin, massive concentration, yet no hint of heaviness or disjointedness. As this wine sits in the glass it grows in stature and richness. It is a remarkable, seamless, palate-staining, and extraordinarily elegant wine - the quintessential St.-Julien. Despite the sweetness of the tannin, I would recommend cellaring this wine for 7-8 years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035.