2011 Leoville Las Cases
By Chateau Leoville Las Cases
2011 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The nuanced contours of the 2011 Bordeaux vintage yielded creations that exemplify the prowess of fine winemaking, even in less-celebrated years. While not often listed among the best Bordeaux vintages, the 2011 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases stands as a remarkable triumph, showcasing the skill of the winemaker in overcoming nature’s challenges.
A Vintage Carved by Time and Tenacity
The growing season of 2011 was littered with challenges—from early flowering followed by variable weather to a scorching summer spell countered by September rains. The resultant wines are not without their charms, however, as evidenced by the 2011 Leoville Las Cases. This potion—beguiling in its complexity—speaks to the masterful orchestration behind the cuvée, where meticulous vinification has overcome climatic trials.
The veritable mélange of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc results in a libation that whispers tales of ripe cassis, intermingled with subtle earthy undertones and a hint of graphite—a signature of its distinguished provenance in St-Julien.
Strategic Maturation: A Study in Investment Potential
As is incumbent upon investors seeking to refine their portfolios with distinguished assets, understanding the lifecycle of a vintage such as this is crucial. The 2011 Leoville Las Cases manifests an intriguing balance between an innate vivacity and a structure that forecasts graceful ageing potential—a spectral vision captivated in bottle.
After years in repose, one discovers a harmony wherein tannins have softened, allowing for a beguiling elegance to unfurl on the palate. Firm yet refined, it projects classicism; a testament to its lineage and a beacon for oenophiles seeking curated depths beyond the zest of youth.
In summary, the 2011 vintage emerges as one gleaned from adversity yet triumphant—a tempest tamed into a tapestry of stately flavours and refined poise. In this bottle lies not just a beverage but an investment narrative rife with potential. The mandate for collectors and connoisseurs alike is clear: recognise and embrace the unique charm enshrined within the essence of this stately vintage from Chateau Leoville Las Cases.
Market price (GBP)
£1,280.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
85.33
Scores and tasting notes
This shows so much spice and berry character on the nose. Focused and beautiful. Full body with a clearly outstanding core of fruit and polished tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. Reminds me of the superb 1996. Try in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, January 28th 2014
The Grand Vin is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc cropped at just 27hl/ha and raised in 80% new oak. It has a comparatively opulent bouquet compared to its peers with sumptuous blackberry, wild strawberry, minerals and cedar, offering touches of Margaux-like floral notes with continued aeration. The palate is full-bodied with good grip and is certainly a Saint Julien with great substance considering the vintage although it does not quite fan out on the finish a la 2009 or 2010. But it is very composed and well balanced with some very pure blackberry, boysenberry and spicy notes lingering long in the mouth. Excellent. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
One of the thrilling successes of the vintage is, not surprisingly, the 2011 Leoville Las Cases. Analytically, this ripe wine has statistical numbers that are almost identical to their 2010. The fruit was cropped at 27 hectoliters per hectare, the wine aged in 80% new French oak, and the final blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc came in at 13.4% natural alcohol. It boasts an opaque inky/purple color along with gloriously pure aromas of creme de cassis, black raspberries, vanillin and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied with abundant glycerin and ripe but noticeable tannin, this beauty is potentially one of the longest lived and finest wines of the vintage. It should be drinkable in 5-6 years and last for 2-3 decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200 April 2012
One of the more formidably backward and potentially long-lived wines of the vintage, the medium to full-bodied 2011 Leoville Las Cases behaves like a first-growth, which in a sense it truly is. Revealing a dense inky/purple color, it is a structured, rich, impressively endowed effort that is meant for the long haul. Atypical for this vintage, it requires 5-7 years of bottle age and should drink well for two decades thereafter. The final blend was 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Yields were a low 27 hectoliters per hectare, and the natural alcohol achieved 13.4%.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014