At a glance

Producer

Château Léoville Las Cases

Region

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Merlot (10%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250-$400

Tasting profile

Concentrated cassis, ripe blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, and subtle floral notes

Evolution: Wines will gain complexity with secondary notes of leather, truffle, and earth over the next decade

At peak: Rich layered dark fruit flavors, silky tannins, and long savory finish

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, fresh acidity typical of Bordeaux left bank

Tannins

Firm, well-structured, fine-grained

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%-14%

Aging potential

30-40+ years from vintage with proper cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2054

Optimal window

2025 to 2057

Current status

Approaching early drinking window but ideally stored

Current condition

Youthful tannins, structured, requires further aging to fully develop complexity

2017 is a solid vintage in Saint-Julien with ripe fruit and balanced acidity that supports long aging. The wine will develop tertiary characteristics over decades, improving complexity and refinement especially after 2030.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roasted duck, beef ribeye, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic development

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Château Léoville Las Cases employs integrated pest management, energy-efficient cellar technologies, and water conservation measures.

Although not certified organic or biodynamic, Léoville Las Cases implements several sustainable viticultural and cellar practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. Its scale and export logistics contribute to a moderate carbon footprint.