2017 Château Léoville Las Cases, St Julien, Bordeaux

One of the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux, the 2017 Léoville Las Cases is a beautiful Saint-Julien that bursts from the glass with expressive aromas of cassis, wild berries, pencil shavings, violets and a subtle hint of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, its unusually charming, sensual profile largely conceals a considerable endowment of tannin and a bright spine of acidity.

Largely spared by the frost due to its optimal location on the bank of the Gironde and subject to a draconian selection, the 2017's giving style reflects not only the vintage but also the more restrained use of press wine chez Las Cases, seeing only 7% in the blend as opposed to the 10% to 12% that was typical not too long ago. It's a masterpiece.

Drink 2023 - 2065

William Kelley, Wine Advocate (August 2022)