The producer
Long considered not only the best of the three Leovilles, but also one of the Super Seconds that are prime contenders at First Growth quality. The whole of Leoville was owned by the Marquis de Las Cases until the French Revolution and subsequently – in two divisions – one became three. But Las Cases, appropriately perhaps, retained the Grand Clos, which is the core of the original estate’s vineyards – a walled in parcel of vines located in the north of Saint-Julien, close to the border with Pauillac.
The Delon family have owned the estate since 1900; the estate is today managed by Jean Hubert Delon and his sister Genevieve d’Alton. With 97 hectares of vineyards – which are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with around 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc – Leoville-Las-Cases is the largest of the three Leoville estates.
The Grand Vin matures in various percentages of new, French oak barrels, which vary from year to year depending on vintage characteristics. This is a glorious rendition of Saint-Julien with many traits of Pauillac – intense and powerful, while also enticingly elegant, and simply, delicious.
The wine
Most of the fruit for the Grand Vin is sourced from the Grand Clos, a walled and organically farmed vineyard plot north of Saint-Julien, bordering Pauillac. The blend varies with vintage conditions but usually includes a minimum of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon complemented with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Fermentation takes place in a combination of concrete, wood, and stainless-steel tanks, and is followed by blending and then 18-20 months in barrel, with 80-90% new oak. Leoville-Las-Cases is a glorious rendition of Saint-Julien with many traits of Pauillac – intense and powerful, while also enticingly elegant, and simply, delicious. And well-known for its ability to age close to forever.
