This is a classic sleeper vintage from Léoville Las Cases—still holding back but quietly powerful. Layers of dark berries, cassis, and cherry meet graphite, pencil shavings, and a touch of menthol. The structure is firm, with vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins that promise a long life ahead. Still youthful, this wine has energy, finesse, and serious aging potential. Best enjoyed from 2026 onwards, but for the patient, it’ll be worth the wait.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95+
Published:  Aug 18, 2022
Drink: 2026-2035

Another underrated vintage for this estate, the 2008 Léoville Las Cases is a vibrant, youthfully primary wine that's aging at a slower pace than the 2009. Unfurling to reveal aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with subtle hints of pencil shavings and nicely integrated new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, taut and layered, with tangy acids, ripe tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Displaying compelling purity and energy, it's a serious Las Cases that will richly reward the patient but which is still some way away from its drinking window.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Dec 20, 2010

Super racy and balanced. Masses of licorice and currants, intense aromas. Full and very silky with an intensity of fruit. Reminds me of the 1996. Best after 2015.

Decanter | D 94
Published:  Jan 1, 2018
Drink: 2022-2038

Firm, rich tannins quietly declare their confidence - this is not yet at its real drinking window as the structure will require another five years to soften. The emphasis is clearly on the primary Cabernet, with an attack that focusses on cassis and the finish on menthol. This is Médoc personified, showing graphite notes, forest floor and tobacco, barely revving out of the gate.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16
Published:  Mar 2, 2018

Tasted blind. Light hint of mousiness on the nose. Very tight and introvert. Inky. A little bit mean.

Domaines-delon.com

The Grand Vin is the product of exceptional terroirs from the former Léoville estate.
These terroirs are located mainly in the Clos Léoville Las Cases, which you pass as you leave Saint- Julien village for Pauillac. They extend over nearly 60ha producing Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs with a complex, polished expression and characteristics which are totally unique to the Grand Vin of Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases and have been widely recognized for years.