Introducing the 2022 Leoville-Las Cases, a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed St Julien region of Bordeaux, France. This wine is a true gem, embodying the essence of its terroir and showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of Leoville-Las Cases.
In the glass, this wine reveals a deep, inky red color that immediately captures the eye. Its rich hue is a testament to the intensity and depth that awaits on the palate. The nose is a symphony of aromas, starting with the delicate scent of violets and leading into a captivating combination of cassis, blackberries, Cuban cigar wrapper, ash, smoke, licorice, and mint. Each element intertwines harmoniously, creating a complex and enticing olfactory experience.
On the palate, the Leoville-Las Cases 2022 showcases its full-bodied nature and impressive levels of concentration. The fruit is remarkably rich, enveloping the taste buds with a tapestry of black and blue fruit flavors. The tannins, strong and ripe, provide a firm structure that is both powerful and refined. There is a sense of refinement and lift that elevates this wine to new heights, while its depth of flavor and complexity demand time and patience to fully unfurl.
The finish of this wine is seamless and seemingly endless, with the wall of rich fruit lingering on the palate for a staggering 60 seconds. It is abundantly clear that Leoville-Las Cases is a wine that requires bottle aging, and with the 2022 vintage, it is predicted to shine after a decade of cellaring. Its potential for evolution and improvement over the course of 40-50 years is truly remarkable.
Crafted from a blend of 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.5% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Merlot, this wine showcases the unique character and terroir of Leoville-Las Cases. The meticulous harvesting, which took place from September 8th to September 30th, resulted in a yield of 36 hectoliters per hectare, ensuring the utmost quality in every bottle.
The Leoville-Las Cases 2022 has received widespread acclaim from esteemed wine critics. Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, awarded it an impressive score of 100 points, praising its full-body, intensity, levels of concentration, and sense of purity. Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, also awarded it a perfect score of 100 points, noting its almost Pauillac-like style and flawless balance. Other critics, such as Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, James Suckling, Jane Anson, Vinous, and Decanter, have also bestowed it with scores ranging from 97 to 100 points, highlighting its exceptional quality and potential for greatness.
In conclusion, the 2022 Leoville-Las Cases is a wine that exudes elegance, power, and complexity. It is a true testament to the artistry of Leoville-Las Cases and the incredible terroir of the St Julien region. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for decades to come, this wine is sure to captivate and delight even the most discerning of palates.