2020 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.

99WI

98V

98JD

98JS

97WA

97JA

Made from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Merlot, the 2020 Leoville Las Cases is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, it erupts from the glass with explosive scents of blackcurrant cordial, stewed blackberries, juicy blackberries, and violets, leading to suggestions of licorice, cinnamon toast, and fertile loam with a touch of truffles. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with loads of nuanced black fruit, earthy, and floral layers, supported by very fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and multi-layered.

99 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Mar 2023)

The 2020 Léoville Las Cases has developed into a powerhouse. Then again, that is Las Cases. En primeur, I thought the 2020 was a bit shy, but its true personality has to emerge. Blackberry jam, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice, espresso and plum all saturate the palate. Vivid and explosive, the 2020 is dizzyingly rich, with plenty of Las Cases tannins that will require patience. I am not sure when the 2020 will be ready to drink, but it won't be anytime soon. Las Cases is one of the wines of the vintage in 2020, that much is pretty clear.

98+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2023)

Another 2020 that's going to demand patience, the 2020 Château Léoville Las Cases is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot that was raised in 80% new French oak. It's a regal, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, flawlessly balanced 2020 with a pure core of cassis and darker currant fruits, a layered, seamless mouthfeel that carries substantial tannins, perfectly integrated oak, and subtle floral, mineral, and leafy herb nuances. Playing in the concentrated yet focused and structured style of the vintage, it's going to need a decade to hit the early phases of its prime drinking window and will have 50-75 years of longevity.

98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2023)

A linear and very racy wine with super fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Superb. It’s full-bodied yet really focused and polished with a length and intensity. Lots of currants and graphite. Very classy and fine. The new 1996. Give it six to seven years to come around.

98 points, James Suckling (May 2023)

The 2020 Léoville Las Cases is a classic in the making, unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, cassis, loamy soil, violets and dark chocolate framed by a discreet touch of new oak. Full-bodied, broad and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins and lively acids. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, it's built for the cellar.

97+ points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)

Richly textured from the first moment, pencil lead, cassis, black cherry, cigar box, liqourice and espresso, just waves of utterly gorgeous flavours. I highly recommend that if you can find a way to taste a young Las Cases, it is worth your time, because the bare bones of what it will become are there, and remain visible for a few years before the entire thing clamps shut for a decade or more, prising open only one chink at a time. There are edges of violet and smoked caramel here, revealing a generous Las Cases compared to many vintages, but it will close down like the rest do, surely as night follows day. 50% new oak. The alcohol level is 1% less than 2018 and 0.5% less than in 2019, 3.65ph, 34hl/ha yield.

97 points, Jane Anson (Jan 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.5%

#FRLLCS20BE

$279.88

Compare At: $329.99

34 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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