2009 Chateau Léoville Las Cases

Robert Parker (96-100): "The 2009 is one of the greatest Leoville Las Cases I have ever tasted, which is saying something given the many compelling wines that have been made at this estate. A final blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a wine that appears to be a hypothetical blend of the 1982, 1986, and 1996. Its 13.8% alcohol is perhaps the only thing that sets it apart from those vintages, which had nearly a full percentage point less. The high alcohol is barely noticeable in this 2009, which boasts an inky/purple color, monumental concentration, and great clarity and purity of creme de cassis, black cherry, spice box, graphite, and wet rock characteristics. Extremely full-bodied with a boatload of sweet tannin nearly concealed by the wine-s power, glycerin, and awesome fruit concentration, this intense effort never tastes heavy or tiring. This remarkable St.-Julien should be accessible in 3-4 years, and will evolve for 40-50. (Tasted once.)

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Taste: dry

Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.
Acidity: 3.41 g/l
Residual sugar: g/l
Allergen information: Contains sulphites

Bottler, importer: Leoville Las Cases, , 33250 Saint Julien-Beychevelle, FRANCE