Leoville Las Cases 2023 (1.5L)

97-98 Points, James Suckling: “Exceptional quality of cabernet comes through here, with a lot of graphite, lead pencil, crushed stone, walnut and currant fruit. It grows and expands on the palate, remaining in focus at the same time. Refined and seamless with beautiful tannins that show power and intensity. It rolls across the palate with verve. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 4% merlot.”

98 Points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux: “Structured and powerful, this is not as forbidding as En Primeur in many vintages of Las Cases, showing both flesh and florality, but the tannic walls of this great estate remain fully in place, coupled with layers of cassis and bilberry fruits, subtle hints of bitter aniseed, fennel, cola, espresso, squid ink, textured slate tannins. Expect inky depths and unashamed austerity, a wine that will take its time to open, making no excuses for demanding patience. So so good, with a balance and classicism that delivers on the best of the vintage. 80% new oak, 6.6% press wine, 3.79h, harvest September 9 to October 2, 43hl/h yield. First year in the new cellars, with 43.5ha going into the main wine from the historic walled vineyard site.”

94-96 Points, William Kelley, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and only 4% Merlot, the 2023 Léoville Las Cases is one of the more serious, structured wines of the vintage, reminiscent of a modern-day version of the estate's excellent 2001. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, cassis and plums mingled with hints of licorice, mint and creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a taut core of fruit, lively acids and plenty of fine, youthfully firm tannins. It will require and reward patience.”

95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2023 Léoville Las Cases is matured in 80% new oak and bottled at the end of June 2025. Initially, the bouquet is very tight and requires considerable aeration to unlock the aromas of blackberry, cassis, cedar and light briny notes. Very well-defined, though it is cut from a different cloth than the dazzling '22. This seems more introspective. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very harmonious with seamlessly integrated oak. There is a gentle build in the mouth, caressing, finely tuned with a touch of black pepper toward the finish that lingers on the aftertaste. Excellent." 02/26