About Château Léoville Las Cases
The original Léoville estate was the largest in the Médoc before the Revolution and was broken into three: Las Cases, Poyferré and Barton. Las Cases kept the best of it, the walled Grand Clos, which ends where Château Latour begins. The lion on the gate is one of the most recognisable images in Bordeaux. The Delon family has run the estate for generations and Jean-Hubert Delon leads it now, with a reputation for ruthless selection: in weak vintages a large share of the crop is declassified. The wine is dense, structured and slow, and it is regularly described as a first growth in all but classification.
Saint-Julien and Pauillac meet at the wall of the Grand Clos. Our Saint-Julien Wines and Pauillac Wines pages cover the neighboring châteaux, and Bordeaux Wines holds the wider selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clos du Marquis the second wine of Léoville Las Cases?
No, and this is the most common mix-up in Saint-Julien. Clos du Marquis comes from a separate vineyard with its own history and has been made as a wine in its own right since 1902. The actual second wine is Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases, introduced with the 2007 vintage.
Why is Las Cases called a super second?
Because it was ranked a second growth in 1855 but has performed and priced at first growth level for decades. Its position next to Latour, the quality of the Grand Clos and the severity of the selection all contribute.
Who owns Léoville Las Cases?
The Delon family, with Jean-Hubert Delon in charge. They also own Château Potensac in the Médoc and Château Nenin in Pomerol.
How long does Léoville Las Cases age?
Fifteen to twenty years for strong vintages, holding for forty or more. It is among the firmest wines in the commune and rewards patience more than most.