One of the oldest Medoc estates, Domaine de Leoville belonged to some of the wealthiest and most influential noble French families before it was acquired by the Las Cases family. Like many properties after the French Revolution, the estate was divided between 1826 and 1840 into the three Leovilles we know today: Leoville-Las Cases, Leoville-Poyferre and Leoville-Barton.

Chateau Leoville-Las Cases was created, thanks to a kind of birthright, from three-fifths of the original estate, including the very heart of the property. The Grand Vin has therefore been sourced from the best part of the original terroir since the 17th century.

Pierre Jean, Adolphe, and Gabriel de Las Cases were successive heirs to the property until 1900, when Theophile Skawinski purchased a share in the estate and became its manager. Leoville-Las Cases has now been managed by the same family since the late 19th century and is today represented by Jean-Hubert Delon, sole owner of the chateau and proprietor of Chateau Potensac in the Medoc and Chateau Nenin in Pomerol.

The Grand Vin is the product of exceptional terroirs from the heart of the original Leoville estate. These are located mainly in the Clos Leoville-Las Cases, which you pass as you leave the village of Saint-Julien for Pauillac. They extend over nearly 60 hectares producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with a complex, polished expression and characteristics which are totally unique to the Grand Vin of Las Cases.

The 2008 Leoville-Las Cases is a Bordeaux Blend from the St Julien region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine exudes elegance and sophistication, with a deep red color that hints at its complexity. It is a wine that embodies the essence of the Bordeaux terroir, showcasing the unique characteristics of the region.

On the nose, the 2008 Leoville-Las Cases reveals aromas of dark berries and cherries, intertwined with subtle hints of pencil shavings, showcasing its well-integrated new oak. These aromas are vibrant and youthful, indicating that this wine is aging at a slower pace than its 2009 counterpart.

Medium to full-bodied, this wine is taut and layered on the palate, with tangy acids and ripe tannins that provide structure and balance. It displays compelling purity and energy, which are the hallmarks of a serious Leoville-Las Cases. The finish is long and penetrating, leaving a lasting impression.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 95 points. In his tasting note, he describes the 2008 Leoville-Las Cases as a wine that will richly reward the patient. He highlights its vibrant nature, layered complexity, and its potential for further development in the cellar.

James Suckling, another respected wine critic, also rated this wine 95 points. He praises its racy and balanced nature, with masses of licorice and currant aromas. He even compares it to the highly regarded 1996 vintage. Suckling suggests that the best time to enjoy this wine would be after 2015, allowing it to reach its full potential.

Wine Spectator gave this wine a score of 94 points, noting its impressive density and layer upon layer of crushed blackberry, fig paste, and mulled black currant flavors. They predict that this wine has the potential to be among the longest-lived wines of the vintage.

Neal Martin's Wine Journal also awarded this wine 94 points, highlighting its classic austere bouquet and fine delineation. He describes the palate as medium-bodied with firm tannins and slightly dusty black fruit, leading to a long and graphite finish.

Overall, the 2008 Leoville-Las Cases is a wine that showcases the true potential of Bordeaux. Its complexity, elegance, and potential for further aging make it a wine that will reward those who are patient enough to wait for its drinking window. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is a true testament to the artistry of Leoville-Las Cases.