Leoville Las Cases, Chateau
Summary
Château Léoville Las Cases is a 98-hectare Saint-Julien estate operated by the Delon family since the 1940s, producing Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines from its Grand Clos parcel adjacent to Latour, where deep gravel soils meet the Gironde estuary. The estate combines traditional fermentation methods with modern optical sorting and precise plot-by-plot management, aging their wines for 18-20 months in French oak barrels.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Léoville Las Cases emerged from the division of the larger Léoville estate in 1840, creating one of Saint-Julien's most significant properties. The Delon family has maintained ownership since the 1940s, when Pierre Delon acquired the estate. Today, Jean-Hubert Delon leads the château, continuing a focused approach to wine production that has defined Las Cases for generations. The property's distinctive clos, a walled vineyard adjacent to Château Latour, remains a defining feature dating back to the estate's origins.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 98 hectares of vineyards in the Saint-Julien appellation, with the iconic Grand Clos parcel situated on deep gravel beds overlooking the Gironde estuary. The vineyard composition reflects traditional Left Bank proportions: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Vines average 40 years of age, planted in gravelly soils underlain by clay-limestone substrates. The terrain's gentle slopes and proximity to the Gironde create optimal conditions for grape ripening.
Philosophy & Practice
Las Cases maintains strictly traditional winemaking protocols while incorporating modern precision. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with each vineyard plot vinified separately. The grand vin ages for 18-20 months in French oak barrels, with new oak ranging from 60% to 100% depending on the vintage. The estate employs optical sorting technology to ensure optimal grape selection. Plot-by-plot management guides all viticultural decisions, from pruning through harvest, maintaining the estate's historical emphasis on precision and quality.