Château Léoville Las Cases
シャトー・レオヴィル・ラス・カーズ
The original Super Second — Saint-Julien's Grand Enclos rivals Pauillac's First Growths in quality and price
Château Léoville Las Cases is a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, situated in Saint-Julien on the Médoc's Left Bank. Widely acclaimed as the foremost "Super Second" of Bordeaux, it consistently rivals the First Growths in both quality and price. The estate's origins trace back to 1604 as part of the vast Domaine de Léoville. Following the French Revolution, the property was divided into three separate châteaux; Pierre Jean de Las Cases inherited the largest portion—roughly three-fifths—including the historic heart of the domain, giving the estate its name. The Delon family gradually acquired majority control through their ancestor Théophile Skawinski in the 19th century and have stewarded the estate ever since. Michel Delon led a celebrated quality renaissance from 1976 until his death in 2000, when his son Jean-Hubert Delon became sole owner. The Delon family also own Château Potensac (Médoc) and Château Néni (Pomerol). The 97-hectare estate is anchored by the 55-hectare Grand Clos, a walled enclave of historic vines planted to a density of 9,000 vines per hectare, farmed almost entirely organically with no herbicides or pesticides. The Grand Clos lies on the northern boundary of Saint-Julien; its vineyards are separated from those of Château Latour in Pauillac only by the Juillac stream, endowing them with Pauillac-like power and scale that sets Léoville Las Cases apart from its Saint-Julien neighbours. The vineyard is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. The Grand Vin blend is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, typically around 80–84% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Merlot completing the blend. Annual production is approximately 180,000–200,000 bottles. The second wine, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases (introduced 2007), uses grapes from younger vines in the same plots and carries a higher proportion of Merlot for earlier drinking. Scores consistently reach 95–100 points from major critics. The 2000 vintage received 100 points from Wine Spectator, and the 2005 was awarded 100 points by Jeb Dunnuck. The 1982, 1986, 1990, 1995, and 1996 vintages are also legendary. The wine's extraordinary longevity—the finest vintages can evolve for 50+ years—alongside its proximity to First Growth quality at Second Growth prices makes it one of the most coveted addresses in the world of fine wine.
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Who Is This For?
For serious collectors and Bordeaux lovers who want the ultimate expression of the Left Bank — a wine that achieves First Growth quality at (relative) Second Growth prices, with extraordinary longevity of 20–50+ years. Also ideal for investors seeking one of the most critically acclaimed and consistently high-scoring châteaux in Bordeaux.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Léoville Las Cases called a 'Super Second'?
- The term 'Super Second' refers to a group of Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) châteaux that consistently produce wines rivaling the quality and price of the five First Growths. Léoville Las Cases is considered the archetype of the Super Seconds — its structured, concentrated wines regularly score 95–100 points from major critics, and its top vintages command prices comparable to First Growth Bordeaux.
- What is the Grand Enclos (Grand Clos) and why does it matter?
- The Grand Clos is a historic 55-hectare walled enclosure at the heart of the estate, planted at 9,000 vines per hectare and farmed almost entirely organically. It directly borders Château Latour's vineyards in Pauillac — separated only by the Juillac tributary — which gives the grapes a Pauillac-like power and scale that makes Léoville Las Cases uniquely structured among Saint-Julien estates. The wine from the Grand Clos forms the backbone of the Grand Vin.
- How long does Léoville Las Cases age, and when should I open a bottle?
- The Grand Vin requires significant patience: top vintages need at least 10–15 years to begin opening up, and the greatest bottles (1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2016, 2018) can evolve beautifully for 30–50+ years. Younger vintages are drinkable after 8–10 years with decanting. The second wine, Le Petit Lion, is approachable from 3–7 years.
- What is the difference between the Grand Vin and Le Petit Lion?
- The Grand Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases is produced from the estate's finest parcels — primarily the Grand Clos — and typically blends around 80–84% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases (introduced in 2007) is the second wine, made from younger vines in the same vineyards with a higher proportion of Merlot, resulting in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style. Both represent exceptional quality for their category.
- Which vintages of Léoville Las Cases are considered the best?
- The legendary vintages include 1982 (Robert Parker called it 'unquestionably one of the greatest wines'), 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000 (100 points, Wine Spectator), 2005 (100 points, Jeb Dunnuck), 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 (99 points). The estate performs exceptionally well in both Cabernet-friendly warm years and cooler, classic Bordeaux vintages.