2014 Chateau Leoville Las Cases, Petit Lion

ABOUT THE WINE
The largest of the three ‘Leoville’ properties, with 97 hectares of vineyard spread throughout the appellation of Saint-Julien. Classified 2ème Cru, the wines of this estate are unquestionably of 1er Cru quality. The history of the estate can be traced back to 1638, when all three Leoville properties were one, and were the site of many winemaking and viticultural innovations which remain in use to this day. After the French Revolution, the estate was split into the Leovilles Barton, Poyferre and Las Cases. Following acquisition in 1976, the estate has achieved ever-growing esteem under the ownership of Michel Delon.

TASTING NOTES
Bright and expressive in this vintage, with a weight comparable to the grand vin. Silky tannins frame a fresh, fruit-driven palate, with oyster-shell minerality on the finish. An impressive wine, fragrant and exceptionally well-crafted, typical of this estate.

FOOD PAIRING
Ideal for beef or vegetarian stews, and quite suitable for lamb as well, given the aromatic intensity of the wine.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Excellent value, relative to the grand vin, from an under-rated vintage – the market was looking forward to the 2015 vintage, and so the attention (and therefore prices) given to the 2014 wines was somewhat less; the quality, however, was not.