2021 - Leoville Las Cases, Saint-Julien

The 2021 Léoville Las-Cases is a wine of elegance and restraint. Yes, I am writing that about a young Las-Cases. Perhaps it is the higher level of Cabernet Franc in this year's blend that adds aromatic presence and gives the wine its refined character. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint, spice and rose petal linger on the delicate, understated finish.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Leoville Las Cases is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a fair bit of swirling and coaxing to reveal a pronounced core of cassis, Morello cherries, and mulberries, giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of tilled soil, charcoal, violets, and cedar, plus a touch of Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate delivers impressive, tightly wound layers of black fruits and minerals, framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long and perfumed. All minerals and florals - very pretty!

Right away on the nose this is chiselled and austere in all the right places, with huge depth and character. Concentrated creme de cassis, with a hidden creamy mid palate that lurks underneath the tannic frame. Plenty of estate signature, meaning cassis, espresso, billberry, slate and graphite. Great quality, and supremely Léoville Las Cases. 85% new oak, just a touch down from normal in reflection of the vintage.