2013 Château Léoville Las Cases

Château Léoville-Las Cases is a prestigious Second Growth winery in the Saint-Julien appellation, known for its carefully selected terroir and consistent style. The estate encompasses some 97 hectares, including renowned parcels such as Le Grand Clos, immediately adjacent to Latour. The estate utilizes both traditional and modern techniques, with a focus on plot-oriented vinification and long-term sustainability.

Terroir, blend and vintage 2013
The vineyards are situated on foothills with red and black clay soils, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 vintage is composed of approximately 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 14% Cabernet Franc. Harvest took place between early and mid-October, under wet conditions followed by a drier late summer. Only about 40% of the harvest was selected for the Grand Vin, with an alcohol content of approximately 13.1%.

Vinification and maturation
After manual harvesting, the grapes are vinified according to the terroir in stainless steel or concrete vats. The wine matures for 18–20 months in French oak, with a high percentage of new wood. Automated techniques such as reverse osmosis are used in challenging years to maintain concentration, always respecting the house's traditions. After aging, the wine is gently clarified with eggs and bottled without filtering.

Tasting notes: colour, aroma and flavour
In the glass, the wine presents a deep ruby-purple hue. The nose is restrained yet refined: notes of cassis, blackberries, graphite, cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, and subtle smokiness. On the palate, the wine reveals a medium-bodied structure with juicy dark fruit, silky yet firm tannins, lively acidity, and a salty, mineral finish. On the palate, the wine has a mineral freshness that balances the powerful structure.

Wine journalist ratings

• An international jury awarded the wine 95 points for concentration and detailed finesse.

• James Suckling awarded 94 points, praising the minerality and pure fruit expression, and describing 'blue forest fruit and a nervous tannic structure'.

• Neal Martin (among others) scored 92 points, highlighting the coherence and 'marine-like refinement' in this vintage.

• Wine Spectator also awarded it approximately 92 points, praising the focus on cassis, plum, soft tannins and a long, precise finish.

Would you like to order wines from Léoville‑Las Cases online?

The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with Château Léoville‑Las Cases 2013

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and black pepper – powerful tannins and dark fruit match the intensity of the meat

• Beef tenderloin tips with red wine sauce and fennel – the acidity and herbs enhance the structure of the wine

• Wild boar stew with bay leaves and blackberries – deep flavours and fruitiness complement each other perfectly

• Mushroom and Parmesan Ravioli – umami and earthy notes resonate with the wine texture

• Mature blue cheese with fig compote – bitter, salty and sweet in balance with tannins and fruit

• Polenta with truffle cream sauce and lamb stock – luxurious umami and intensity for a refined pairing with the wine