One of the high points of this great vintage, the 2016 Léoville Las Cases is a brilliant wine that unwinds in the glass with aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and violets. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's concentrated and complete, with beautifully refined tannins, vibrant acids and a long, mineral finish. Even in this series of great wines, it stands out for its cool classicism and unerring precision. Still an infant, while the 2016 is sufficiently polished to be far from forbidding, the real fireworks won't begin for another decade.
This has a vivid nose of dried flowers, walnuts, subtle dark fruit and a touch of earth. The palate is exceptionally refined, medium- to full bodied, harmonious and integrated, with wonderful subtlety and energy. The fruit is elegant and well integrated. The finish is long and elegant as well as textural. This is approachable, but it will show its true colors with a couple of years of cellaring. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
The 2016 Léoville Las Cases is the finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate; in fact, in this reviewer’s opinion, this magical, perfect wine couldn’t be better. Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc aged 22 months in 90% new oak, it reveals a deep, saturated purple color as well as a thrilling bouquet of crème de cassis, iris flowers, graphite, crushed rocks, and freshly sharpened lead pencils. A perfect example of the old saying “an iron fist in a velvet glove,” it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, stacked mid-palate, flawless integration of its acidity and tannins, and a monster finish. The balance and purity here are off the charts. Hide bottles for a decade or so and enjoy over the following half a century.
This is really dense, yet remarkably polished and poised, delivering wave after wave of blueberry, açaí berry, raspberry and blackberry puree notes, all while warm tar and sweet tobacco details cruise underneath. There's a long, smoldering cast iron note through the finish that adds both austerity and authority in a truly unique manner. Best from 2025 through 2045. 13,333 cases made.
The 2016 Léoville Las Cases is another Saint-Julien with a seriously impressive nose: blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and light brown leaf scents. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine tannins, really refined, with a silky texture and a peacock’s tail on the finish. Awesome. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Dominated by the great Cabernet Sauvignon vines of the clos of Léoville las Cases, this wine is superbly rich and smoky while being stylish. Its power comes from the complexity, ripe fruits and dense tannins.This wine has enormous potential. Drink from 2025. (Cellar Selection)
Las Cases is firmly positioned at the top of the second growths and, tasting this wine, it is easy to see why. There is no hurry to drink this though. Intense and tightly wound, there is a stony, mineral edge which, combined with the pure, dark currant fruit, spicy oak, firm tannins and lingering acidity, suggest this will blossom in five years and live for 50. Drinking Window 2026 - 2055.
TWI
97pts
The Wine Independent
The 2016 Léoville Las Cases offers a sweet and candy like, vibrant and impressive nose with hints of cedar and spices. The taste is big and fruity with notes of liquorice and sweet candy, marmalade and a river of cassis. The fruit and structure is excellent and it is an impressive effort. The only downside is that you would need to wait for another 8-10 years to obtain full benefit from this wine. It should be able to merit an even higher score when fully mature.