The grapes for the 2019 harvest were picked between 18 September and 8 October. Léoville Las Cases 2019 is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot. The Merlot harvest started early on September 18th and the cabernets were picked in October and finished on October 8th. The alcohol was 14.02% (lower than 2018), but seems a little lower than this percentage. The wine matures in French oak barriques, 90% new. The color is purplish-black, with a nose that opens in the glass, starting with expressive notes of black fruits such as blackcurrants, ripe blackberries and fresh black cherries. Later you get floral and earthy nuances that come through with some violets, woody notes and truffle. The wine is full-bodied and reveals layers of black fruit, supported by a firm structure of firm and fine tannins.
Ratings: (97-99)+
About Château Leoville las Cases
Château Leoville las Cases is one of the oldest wine castles in the Medoc. Domaine de Léoville belonged to some of the richest and most influential noble French families before it was taken over by the Las Cases family. The estate was divided between 1826 and 1840 and Château Léoville Las Cases was created from 3/5 of the original estate and the heart of the domaine.
The current terroir has therefore been in the historical heart of the original terroir since the 17th century. Pierre Jean, Adolphe and Gabriel de Las Cases were heirs to the château until 1900, when Théophile Skawinski bought a share and became its manager. Léoville Las Cases has now been managed by the same family since the end of the 19th century and is today represented by Jean-Hubert Delon, sole owner and proprietor of Château Potensac in the Medoc and Château Nénin in Pomerol.
The terroir
The terroir is of great complexity. It is mainly composed of gravel, gravelly sand and gravelly clay. There is also more compact clay here, which sometimes breaks through to the surface. The proximity to the Gironde River has created a wide diversity of soils, formed over several different geological periods. The river also creates a special microclimate that enables very early ripening of the grapes and protects the vineyards from frost. This combination affects the growth of the vines and the composition of the grapes. Regular but limited water supply and a very low intake of nutrients bring out the best in the great Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines, which usually reach their full potential regardless of vintage. An eminent terroir.
