2021 Château Léoville Las Cases, St Julien, Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Merlot 5%

With only 5% Merlot, this wine is unsurprisingly underpinned by a firm tannic structure. Yet the Cabernets are equally expressive; dark notes of blackberry and blueberry appear almost lush. The palate is complete and even has some creamy notes. Yet the overall impression is of a wine holding back, needing time to unfold. Comparisons are made to the 1996; the cool, Cabernet-driven style supports that, but there is almost something more compliant and less severe here. This is undoubtedly an excellent wine, but with its final direction of travel not yet defined. Drink 2028-2048.

Our score: 17.5/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd, April 2022