[Magnum] Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2016

Chateau Leoville Las Cases stands among Bordeaux's most revered estates, earning recognition as the "First of the Second Growths" through decades of consistently exceptional winemaking. Under the stewardship of the Delon family since the late 19th century, this Saint-Julien property has become synonymous with power, elegance, and longevity. The 2016 vintage represents one of the estate's finest modern expressions, crafted from their legendary Grand Clos vineyard that borders Chateau Latour and benefits from some of the finest terroir in the Medoc.

The estate's 97 hectares of vineyards are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with supporting roles for Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The vineyard's position on the banks of the Gironde River provides climatic moderation, while the complex soil structure of Günz gravel over clay subsoils ensures both excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The 2016 growing season proved ideal for achieving perfect ripeness while maintaining the natural acidity essential for age-worthy wines, with harvest conducted over several weeks to ensure optimal selection of each varietal component.

The winemaking at Las Cases follows traditional methods refined over generations, with fermentation in temperature-controlled vats of varying sizes to allow separate treatment of different vineyard plots. The wine ages for 18-20 months in French oak barrels, with new wood percentages carefully calibrated to complement rather than dominate the wine's natural character. The 2016 Las Cases displays the estate's characteristic power and refinement, with an intensely aromatic bouquet featuring cassis, graphite, cedar, and exotic spices. The palate reveals exceptional concentration and structure, with layers of dark fruit flavors supported by fine-grained tannins and mineral complexity that will allow decades of continued evolution.

Harvest: Hand-picked with careful selection over several weeks

Grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot

Aging: 18-20 months in French oak

Alcohol: 13.5% ABV

Source: domaines-delon.com