2000 Chateau Leoville Las Cases

Chateau Leoville Las Cases is one of the larger classified estates in Bordeaux, with the Second Growth Saint-Julien property totalling 98 hectares. Winemaking is very traditional, using old oak vats for fermentation, and up to 90% new French oak for maturation. While the wines can look rather austere in their youth, from great years they can resemble some of the finest First Growth wines as they reach maturity. The Chateau also produces a second wine, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases (from 2009), which is not to be confused with Clos du Marquis, a wine that is always produced from a separate parcel and is considered a standalone brand.

"An uncompromising classic" - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Other Reviews....
The 2000 Léoville Las Cases takes time to unwind in the decanter and glass, but when it begins to show all its cards, the display is spectacular. Mingling aromas of dark berries and red fruits with aromas of pencil shavings, loamy soil, cedar box, bitter chocolate, dried rose petals and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered, complete mid-palate that's rare in this vintage, powdery tannins and a long, resonant finish. An uncompromising classic, even as it closes in on its 22nd birthday, the 2000 Las Cases remains an infant in terms of evolution. Drink 2025-2055.
98 points
William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Aug 2022)

The 2000 Léoville Las Cases is a vintage that I have encountered a dozen or so times. Jean-Hubert Délon oversaw a magnificent wine in this year. The nose of graphite-infused black fruit is still vivacious and very complex, very Pauillac-like, and supremely well focused. Hints of licorice develop with aeration. The medium-bodied palate features sappy black fruit and perfectly judged acidity. Complex and delineated, with marine-tinged mulberry and black currant notes given a deft Oriental touch on the finish. Bottles are only just beginning to drink perfectly now and will last another 30 or more years. Drink 2021-2050.
97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous (June 2021)

This is a classic Las Cases, with masses of mineral, floral, and blueberry character. Full and chewy, with so much power. Please don’t touch this for another seven to nine years. Otherwise decant this for two hours.
100 points
James Suckling (June 2011)

Still youthful and ruby-hued with no hint of amber at the rim, the 2000 Château Léoville Las Cases is an absolutely sensational Saint-Julien that just flirts with perfection. Currants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed stone all emerge from the bouquet, giving it an ultra-classic Léoville Las Cases style. It's full-bodied on the palate, with beautiful concentration, ripe, polished tannins, and a blockbuster finish, with the regal stature and structure this cuvée is known for. Based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.4% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, this magical, heavenly Las Cases is singing today yet has another 50 years of longevity. Drink 2026-2076.
99 points
Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2026)

Now closing in on two decades, this is starting to soften and open, bringing exotic spices to the fore. The inky colour translates into tight black fruits with liquorice, cigar box, graphite and grilled gunsmoke. It’s still a little fierce in its tannic structure, and will need a few more years to be truly welcoming, but it’s clear that the grapes reached full phenolic ripeness. The invariably low pH at Leoville, often below 3.5 (as it is here), explains its iron grip. I last tasted this in October 2017 and it has barely budged an inch since then, but it gets significantly better after an hour in the glass (and being double decanted), giving you an idea of just how much life remains ahead. Harvest 28 September to 11 October. Drink 2019-2050.
98 points
Jane Anson - Decanter