2000 Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases

ABOUT THE WINE
The largest of the three Leoville properties, with 97 hectares of vineyard spread throughout the appellation of Saint-Julien. Classified 2eme 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
Not a wine to drink in its youth Las Cases is usually best drunk with 15-20 years of bottle-maturation; this (incredible) vintage, however, is perhaps an exception, cassis, tobacco, earthy notes and plenty of blackberry fruit. Deep and complex, with liquorice and cedar on a long, seductive finish; still big and brooding, but with good acidity, layered ripeness and profound intensity. Already drinking beautifully at 18 years, yet retains capacity to develop to 2030.

FOOD PAIRING
Venison, game, red meat, complex dishes.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Although, by French law, they are unable to set aside their Classification, Leoville Las Cases withdrew from the Conseil des Grands Crus Classes in 1988 (the only Classified estate to have done so) on the basis that it is misleading and out of date, an unsurprising stance, since any update would almost certainly see Las Cases elevated to 1st Growth status.