Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2020

The English metaphor ‘an iron fist in a velvet glove’ seems tailor-made for this wine. Leoville Las Cases 2020 shows a concentration, power and structure that support the winery's claim to be a first growth on the level of a Chateau Latour. At the moment it has wonderful aromas of dark berries, cedar wood, graphite, violets and liquorice. The palate shows ripe, supple tannins, but does not yet have the refined, fine texture with which it presents its enormous density and concentration.

As in other vintages, Leoville Las Cases is the Super Second that will need the longest ageing until it is ready to drink. In terms of longevity, 50 years is certainly too short.

Leoville Las Cases 2020 is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. Elevage in 85% new barriques lasted 18 months. The Saint-Julien appellation lies between Pauillac and Margaux. It is often said to combine the structure of Pauillac with the charm of Margaux. Wines such as Leoville-Poyferre seem to confirm this. However, Leoville las Cases is much closer to a Pauillac than a Margaux. This is also the case geographically, as the vineyard is directly adjacent to Chateau Latour. The estate has 98 hectares of vineyards. Of this, around 60 hectares are located in the famous ‘Clos de Léoville’, directly on the Gironde. The Delon family, who own the estate, have made incredible efforts to improve the quality. State-of-the-art technology, best wines