critic reviews
Great to taste this alongside the other two names from this trilogy of St Juliens that once formed the vast Lionville estate. In 1855, Las Cases was owned by Théodore Galhaud, a prominent Bordeaux wine merchant. It's right on brand in 2008, muscular and brooding, and a little reserved, needs serious coaxing, and I would give two to three hours in a carafe to uncurl those bilberry and blackcurrant fruits that sit alongside pencil lead, cigar box, slate, all thos classic St Julien signatures that this property delivers so consistently. 50% new oak, Delon family owners in 2017 (as they had been throughout the 20th century).
The 2008 Léoville Las Cases has a backward, broody, earthy bouquet with intense tobacco and graphite aromas, more like a Pauillac than a Saint Julien, no surprise given that it lies on the border. The palate is very impressive: layers of tobacco-tinged black fruit, sea salt and graphite. This is very precise and harmonious with a persistent and multi-layered finish that leaves you mightily impressed. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)