The 2001 Leoville-Las Cases, a Bordeaux blend from the St. Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a wine that has garnered significant praise from multiple esteemed reviewers. This red wine, produced by Leoville-Las Cases, has a 13% alcohol content and is described as a classic representation of the vintage, reflecting balance, nuance, and elegance.
William Kelley from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive 96 points, noting that the wine "unwinds in the glass with aromas of cassis, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and classy new oak." Kelley describes it as "medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated," with a layered core of vibrant fruit, ripe tannins, and a long, penetrating finish. He suggests that it is "just at the very beginning of a long drinking window," indicating its potential for aging.
Neal Martin from Vinous also praised the wine, giving it 94 points. He mentioned its "generous nose with black plums, graphite, and cedar" and noted its "admirable complexity on the lightly peppered, tobacco- and rooibos-tinged finish." Martin emphasized its fine grip and medium-bodied palate, though he acknowledged it is "not as precise or chiseled as recent vintages."
James Suckling, who rated the wine 95 points, highlighted its "lead pencil, dried herb, currant and black olive" characteristics. He described it as "medium-to full-bodied, firm and creamy with a long finish," advising to decant it a couple of hours in advance.
Decanter's review, also scoring it 95 points, remarked on its "pencil lead, leather, smoked cedar and reserved but carefully sculpted cassis and bilberry fruit." The review praised its "grip and freshness" and noted that the tannins have softened and integrated well.
Wine Spectator and Jeb Dunnuck both rated the wine at 94 points. Wine Spectator described it as having a "long, refined beam of gently mulled black currant and plum fruit," while Jeb Dunnuck emphasized its "complex, mature bouquet of cedary herbs, menthol, tobacco, lead pencils, and dried flowers."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave it 93 points, observing its "herbal, mint, and spearmint" side with "leafy tobacco and bright red fruits." He mentioned that the fruits are "crisp and fresh" but noted a lack of power compared to better vintages.
Wine Enthusiast provided the highest score of 97 points, calling it "a classic in development" with potential to last for decades. Roger Voss highlighted its "plums and berries settling down with perfumes, acidity, just enough tannins and a warm, welcoming richness."
In summary, the 2001 Leoville-Las Cases is a highly regarded wine, praised for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging. It presents a classic Bordeaux profile with notable aromas and flavors, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.