2013 Leoville Las Cases
By Chateau Leoville Las Cases
2013 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St-Julien, Bordeaux
A vintage that has climbed the echelons of fine Bordeaux with grace, the 2013 Leoville Las Cases from Chateau Leoville Las Cases is a testament to the resilience and expertise inherent in St-Julien's prestigious terrains.
The Unlikely Triumph of 2013 in Bordeaux
The year 2013 was a challenging one in Bordeaux, with capricious weather delivering a cool and wet start to the growing season. Yet, amidst these trying conditions emerged the 2013 Leoville Las Cases—a wine that captures the meticulous attention to viticultural detail and deft winemaking that are the hallmarks of this noble estate. Its triumph over adversity has rendered it an intriguing subject within the discourse of fine wine investment.
A Vintage of Precision and Balance
In this particular year, precision was key. A diligent selection during harvest ensured only the finest grapes contributed to the blend, embracing mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with touches of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The resulting poise—apparent as one decants this noble claret—is remarkable; distinctive notes of blackcurrant, cigar box, and graphite are layered with an undercurrent of firm tannins and fine acidity.
The wine's profile reflects its journey: from guarded early days in oak barrels to a present standing with pronounced elegance and depth, indicative not only of St-Julien's authority but also the astute management of such a demanding vintage. Tasters will find themselves enveloped by its textured finesse—a dark fruit core wrapped in savoury complexity that is just starting to unfold.
For fine wine investors seeking to expand their portfolio with a vintage exhibiting St-Julien's mettle through adversity, the 2013 Leoville Las Cases presents a nuanced and evolving sip. It speaks of a year where only the most attentive winemakers prevailed—a narrative captured in this very bottle.
Market price (USD)
$1,730.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
117.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2013 Leoville-Las Cases has perhaps one of the most understated bouquets for this estate in recent years. I do not mean that in a bad sense, after all, this was a vintage whereby it would be foolish to push too much. It gently unfolds with blackberry, bilberry and a light marine influence - iodine, a hint of black olive. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, nicely balanced with a saline note that comes through towards the finish. I appreciate the cohesiveness and refinement of this Leoville-Las Cases, certainly one of the best Médocs of this difficult vintage.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
Better than many of the Medoc first-growths, the 2013 Las Cases was harvested relatively late, between October 2 and 17. It is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Only 40% of the production made it into the grand vin, and the finished alcohol was 13.1%. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color, supple tannins, good texture and depth, excellent freshness and intense dark currant and black cherry fruit notes. While not a blockbuster, it is a medium-bodied, well-endowed 2013 that should drink well for 10-15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014