The estate
Producing wines that achieve the feat, from one vintage to another, of attaining utter excellence and elegance, Chateau Leoville Las Cases is currently one of the most emblematic estates in the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation, located on the left bank of the Bordeaux region.
The vineyard
Chateau Leoville Las Cases’ 55-hectare vineyard is planted within the famous Clos de Leoville and its complexity is due to its patchwork of terroirs. Located near the Gironde estuary, the vineyard benefits from the river's thermo-regulating influence which guarantees mild temperatures and provides a barrier against frost. Combined with the presence of gravelly soils from the Günz, resting on gravelly-sandy subsoils with more or less deep clays, Chateau Leoville Las Cases’ terroir comprises all the characteristics to produce fine vintages that offer a legendary allure.
The vintage
The weather in 2010 provided all the optimal conditions for the birth of a fine vintage. The temperatures in July, August and September helped to attain an excellent ripeness level. The harvest took place from September 28th to October 13th 2010.
The blend
Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2010 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Merlot (10%) and Cabernet Franc (8%),
The tasting
Nose
The nose is very pure with delicious notes of blackcurrant liquor, strawberry and blackberry. Delicate floral notes gradually emerge.
Palate
This wine is elegantly structured and powerful on the palate, with fine tannins. The lively acidity balances the smooth texture and the dense body. Throughout the tasting experience, this wine unfolds with great precision and persistence.
Storage
Enjoy now, the First Wine by Leoville du Marquis de Las Cases 2010 can be cellared until 2040, enabling it to reveal its full aromatic range.
Blended of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet colored 2010 Léoville Las Cases delivers tons of evolving black fruits on the nose with notes of crème de cassis, prunes and incense plus wafts of cloves, cedar, cigar box and powdered cinnamon. Full-bodied, rich, bold and decadently fruited, it has a solid frame of grainy tannins, and the oak is faintly notable on the palate. It finishes impressively with long-lingering mineral notes. This one probably needs 3-5 more years to really hit its stride!