Château Léoville Las Cases, 2ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2010
Building work continues in St Julien, so we tasted out of context in Pomerol. Unusually aromatic and accessible for a Las Cases. Initially quite a complex, floral nose with notes of cassis, pencils shavings, sandalwood and rocks below. This feels less aloof than normal but is that at the expense of matière? Rather gentle and flowing through the middle with waves of bittersweet fruit, then there’s a note of acid freshness that keeps it slightly tart and pert. There's a little astringency on the finish too. It feels like a departure from the house style we have admired for so long. One would hope it regains focus and gravitas during élevage. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot.
critic reviews
The 2010 Léoville Las Cases has a clean and precise bouquet, beautifully focused with blackberry, melted tar, cigar humidor and crushed stone aromas. It gains intensity with aeration without ever losing its precision. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a sense of abiding symmetry and detail as it fans out on the mineral-driven finish. This is an absolutely awesome Saint-Julien with a long life ahead. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.