Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien 2013

Better than many of the Medoc first-growths, the 2013 Las Cases was harvested relatively late, between October 2 and 17. It is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Only 40% of the production made it into the grand vin, and the finished alcohol was 13.1%. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color, supple tannins, good texture and depth, excellent freshness and intense dark currant and black cherry fruit notes. While not a blockbuster, it is a medium-bodied, well-endowed 2013 that should drink well for 10-15 years.

In this particular year, precision was key. A diligent selection during harvest ensured only the finest grapes contributed to the blend, embracing mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with touches of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The resulting poiseapparent as one decants this noble claretis remarkable; distinctive notes of blackcurrant, cigar box, and graphite are layered with an undercurrent of firm tannins and fine acidity.

The wine’s profile reflects its journey: from guarded early days in oak barrels to a present standing with pronounced elegance and depth, indicative not only of St-Julien’s authority but also the astute management of such a demanding vintage. Tasters will find themselves enveloped by its textured finessea dark fruit core wrapped in savoury complexity that is just starting to unfold.

Critical Acclaim

95 Wine Enthusiast

This impressively powerful wine has dense tannins and concentration. With 74% of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is firm, packed with black-currant fruits with intense, perfumed acidity. Cabernet Franc adds spice to the wine. The wood-aging is still showing and the wine will need several years before enjoying.

94 Vinous

The 2013 Loville-las-Cases is wonderfully deep and layered in the glass. Violets, cloves, menthol and licorice add dimensions of complexity to the dark fruit. Hints of cassis, white flowers and sweet herbs develop later as the wine continues to flesh out. So many 2013s offer up their charms quite easily. Loville-las-Cases is a rare wine endowed with a sense of mystery and intrigue. The power and breadth of this site come through, but tempered by the medium-bodied structure of the year. This is a terrific showing. The 2013 is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 12% Merlot. Tasted twice.

93 James Suckling

Extremely fine and complex for the vintage with blueberry, black currant and mineral aromas and flavors. Racy and refined backbone of tannins. Long and subtle.

92 Wine Spectator

This has a rounded feel at first, with plum, blackberry and raspberry coulis flavors carried by supple tannins. Slowly and surely, a brooding charcoal note emerges through the finish, adding grip while a lingering iron detail lengthens the spine. This really stretches out in the glass, maintaining superior focus.

92 Wine Advocate

Better than many of the Medoc first-growths, the 2013 Las Cases was harvested relatively late, between October 2 and 17. It is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Only 40% of the production made it into the grand vin, and the finished alcohol was 13.1%. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color, supple tannins, good texture and depth, excellent freshness and intense dark currant and black cherry fruit notes. While not a blockbuster, it is a medium-bodied, well-endowed 2013 that should drink well for 10-15 years.