2000 Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 3x300cl

Robert Parker 98

Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2000 Leoville-Las-Cases is a quite fabulous, magisterial Saint Julien that is only just beginning to flex its muscles. It has a very intense and beautifully defined bouquet with mineral rich blackberry and bilberry scents, outstanding focus and harmony, and very well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, impressive backbone and focus in situ. There is a touch of mint infusing the fruit here, superb tension with a touch of mulberry and Hoi Sin lingering on the finish that still feels backward and sinewy. What was remarkable was to observe the melioration in the glass, achieving wondrous energy and delineation with time, still improving after a couple of hours. Buy it, cellar it, drink it. Tasted December 2016. [28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060

JancisRobinson.com 17-

Mid crimson with a pale rim. Sweet start and quite cassis. Sweeter than the older vintages. A relatively simple wine at this stage with straightforward fruit and correct tannin and acid balance. Needs lots of time to become interesting. [25/05/2006]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024