Classification | |
Type | Rouge |
Marque | Chateau Leoville Las Cases |
Millésime | 2002 |
Pays | France |
Région | Bordeaux, St. Julien |
Raisin | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux Blend |
Volume | |
État | Extrait de son coffret en bois d'origine |
Étiquette | Parfait |
Consommable | 2012-2030 |
Stock | 0 |
Only 43% of the production made it into the final blend of this remarkable 2002. Produced from a low 17 hectoliters per hectare, it includes 66.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot, 13.9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has the highest alcohol ever achieved in a Leoville Las Cases (13.5%) as well as a lofty pH of 3.85. Nevertheless, the impression is one of a structured wine with considerable density, a ruby/purple color, layers of flavor, and a classic overall personality. The wine exhibits pure black currant, licorice-infused fruit, huge body, a viscous mid-palate, and a long, heady finish. I suspect this wine won’t be nearly as charming as the 2003 in its youth, but it hasn’t yet closed down, and I am amazed at just how rich, intense, and full-bodied it tastes even after bottling. This is certainly one of the half dozen or so candidates for wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+.
This is the essence of currants and berries with minerals and flowers. Full-bodied, with silky, refined tannins. Superlong and impressive. A beauty. Love it. As it should be.
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 19/20 points.