Château Léoville Las Cases St.-Julien 2011

This Bordeaux second-growth has earned ratings in the 95- to 100-point range in seven of the past 10 vintages. The Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for the greatest share of the nearly 240-acre estate, benefits from an excellent site and the rigorous viticultural standards mandated by owner Jean-Hubert Delon. The blend is 76 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 percent Merlot and 12 percent Cabernet Franc, the latter a fairly high percentage for the Médoc, but technical director Michael Georges believes it lends finesse to the Cabernet Sauvignon and adds depth to the Merlot.

Tasting Note

This has some toast to shed, but retains a terrific core of crushed plum and blackberry confiture. Has a beautiful ripple of charcoal for texture, honest acidity for balance and a bolt of iron that keeps this firmly grounded. A brick-house Cabernet. Best from 2018 through 2030. –James Molesworth