# Château Léoville Las Cases (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Léoville-Las-Cases
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €119
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, lead pencil shavings, graphite, tobacco leaf

## About this wine

Château Léoville Las Cases 2021 is a distinguished red wine from the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, classified as a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé. The estate, owned by Jean-Hubert Delon, is known for its exceptional terroir and dedication to producing structured, age-worthy wines. The 2021 vintage is notable for its blend, featuring a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc than Merlot for the first time in the estate's history. This vintage was cultivated in a challenging year, requiring careful vineyard management to achieve its characteristic purity and structure. The vineyards are situated in the Haut-Médoc, benefiting from gravelly soils adjacent to Château Latour.

## Interesting facts

- First vintage with Cabernet Franc percentage higher than Merlot.
- Vineyards are neighbors to Château Latour.
- Considered by many to be of First Growth quality.
- Harvested between September 28th and October 8th.

## Food pairing

The firm tannins and structured body of Château Léoville Las Cases 2021 are well-suited to complement the richness and protein found in red meats, helping to cleanse the palate. The wine's complexity and subtle earthy notes can harmonize with ingredients like mushrooms and truffle, while its bright acidity can cut through richer sauces.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Château Léoville Las Cases for the 2021 vintage involves traditional Bordeaux techniques. Fermentation typically takes place in old oak vats, followed by an aging period of approximately 18 months. A significant portion, around 85%, of the wine is matured in new French oak barrels. The harvest for this vintage occurred between September 28th and October 8th. A notable aspect of the 2021 vintage is the strategic decision to increase the proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend, marking a historical shift for the estate.