2012 Leoville Las Cases (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Here's a rare opportunity to secure top-scoring back vintages from the legendary Chateau Leoville Las Cases! Long considered ‘first among the Super-Seconds’ of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality, these top vintages from Chateau Leoville Las Cases will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95 plus pt. ratings including multiple 100 pt. “perfect” scores, now offered at best on the market pricing.

Bordering Chateau Latour on the northern end of St. Julien overlooking the Gironde, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos, its gate topped with a regal lion carved from stone pictured on the Grand Vin’s label. Managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the late Michel Delon is credited with implementing changes at Las Cases that fueled its rise in quality over the last 50 years, calling the 1986 his greatest vintage ever (the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker agreed, scoring it a perfect 100 pts.) while Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson called the 100 pt. 2005 Las Cases “one to savor,” both vintages now in their drinking window with decades of enjoyment ahead. Described as “stunning and pure from the get-go” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, both Jane Anson and the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss awarded the 2010 Las Cases perfect scores, with Vinous critic Neal Martin describing it in 2020 as “an absolutely awesome Saint Julien with a long life ahead.” Granting it four perfect scores, critics agreed the 2016 might be the best Las Cases to date, with Jeb Dunnuck saying “this magical, perfect wine couldn’t be better” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous calling it “a total stunner” not to be missed.

Mirroring the greatness of this Chateau's Grand Vin year over year, these are all outstanding choices that stand tall among their neighboring First Growth Chateau at a fraction of the price, whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case. Echoing a sports analogy, the Leoville Las Cases bench is deep - and with only home run hitters in the rotation, all of these selections are guaranteed to knock it out of the park.

96WE

95JD

94WS

This combines considerable power and concentration with rich, impressive fruits. It has both style and elegance, with density to give it great aging potential. The tannins are firm while also having a velvet texture. The wine, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, is for serious aging. Drink from 2025.

96 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2015)

Standing out for its sheer purity and class, the 2012 Leoville-Las Cases is about as seamless as they come, with medium to full-bodied richness, fabulous notes of crème de cassis, cedary spice, plums, spice and wood smoke, with its oak component pushed well into the background. While not a blockbuster, it is impeccably balanced, with a full, layered mid-palate, building tannin and a rock-solid finish. Give this straight up classy 2012 4-5 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles over the following two decades or more.

95 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2018)

This is very tight at this early stage, with a wall of smoldering charcoal holding the core of dark plum, blackberry paste and cassis in reserve. The sleek finish shows admirable length and a mouthwatering echo of iron. This harnesses the austerity of the vintage to its advantage, and should unwind slowly in the cellar. Best from 2018 through 2030. 10,000 cases made.

94 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2015)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.0%

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$199.88

Compare At: $219.99

1 bottle in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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