Château Léoville Las Cases
The largest fragment of the historic Léoville estate, a Saint-Julien Second Growth widely judged of First Growth quality and run by the Delon family.
About Château
Château Léoville Las Cases is the most prestigious survivor of the once-vast Léoville estate, whose vineyard origins reach back to 1638 on the gravel rise known as Mont-Moytié. Successive divisions, the first around the French Revolution that created Léoville-Barton, the second in 1840 that yielded Léoville-Poyferré, left Las Cases with the largest share, including the celebrated walled 'Grand Clos' abutting Château Latour. Classified a Second Growth in 1855, the estate has long been considered a 'super second,' producing wine of First Growth depth and longevity. The Delon family, owners since the early 20th century and sole proprietors since 1994, have set an uncompromising standard; Jean-Hubert Delon took the reins in 2000. The Grand Vin is structured, austere in youth and exceptionally age-worthy, while Clos du Marquis stands as a respected wine in its own right rather than a simple second label.
Flagship wines
- Château Léoville Las Cases (Grand Vin)
- Clos du Marquis
- Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases
Editorial notes
A 'super second' that drinks like a First Growth and demands patience; reserve the Grand Vin for long cellaring and reach for Clos du Marquis for earlier drinking.