The 2016 Léoville Las Cases is a Bordeaux blend produced in the St Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, sealed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 13.5%, is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc.
Critics universally laud the 2016 vintage, with several awarding it a perfect score. James Suckling praises its "very complex and alluringly spicy aromas" and describes it as having a "flawless" texture with "fine-grained and focused tannins." He draws a parallel to the legendary 1986 vintage, remarking, "This is probably better." Suckling recommends trying it from 2024.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate's William Kelley also bestows a perfect score, calling it "one of the high points of this great vintage." He notes its "aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and violets" and highlights its "cool classicism and unerring precision." Kelley suggests that while it is approachable now, the wine will truly shine in another decade.
Wine Spectator awards the wine a near-perfect score of 98, emphasizing its density and polish. The review notes "wave after wave of blueberry, açaí berry, raspberry and blackberry puree," underscored by "warm tar and sweet tobacco details." They recommend enjoying this wine between 2025 and 2045.
Jeb Dunnuck calls the 2016 vintage "the finest" he has ever tasted from this estate, lauding its "thrilling bouquet of crème de cassis, iris flowers, graphite, crushed rocks, and freshly sharpened lead pencils." Dunnuck describes it as "an iron fist in a velvet glove," with perfect balance and purity, recommending cellaring it for at least a decade.
Jane Anson also awards a perfect score, highlighting its "deep dark hidden depths" and "classic 2016 flavours" such as "crushed rocks, concentrated crème de cassis, [and] slate-licking minerality." She asserts that the wine will improve significantly over time.
In summary, the 2016 Léoville Las Cases is a critically acclaimed Bordeaux blend known for its complexity, refinement, and ageing potential. Consistently rated as one of the top wines of its vintage, it is recommended to be cellared for several years to fully appreciate its depth and character.
