Leoville Las Cases 雄獅 2008 (OWC)

Description

By Neal Martin of Vinous in 2018 (NM96)
The 2008 Léoville Las Cases has a backward, broody, earthy bouquet with intense tobacco and graphite aromas, more like a Pauillac than a Saint Julien, no surprise given that it lies on the border. The palate is very impressive: layers of tobacco-tinged black fruit, sea salt and graphite. This is very precise and harmonious with a persistent and multi-layered finish that leaves you mightily impressed. 2020 – 2050

By Wine Advocate in 2021 (WA93)
The 2008 Léoville Las Cases is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet colored, it slowly unfurls to reveal compelling scents of Morello cherries, black raspberries, stewed plums and cassis with hints of dried Provence herbs, mocha, underbrush and charcoal, plus a lively waft of eucalyptus. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit layers with loads of bright herbal and minty sparks, supported by grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory.

By Robert Parker in 2011 (RP93)
A classic style of Las Cases that is somewhat masculine for the vintage, tannic and backward, and less formidably concentrated than the 2009 or 2010, the 2008 needs 7-8 years of cellaring. Dense purple, the aromatics are closed, but with coaxing and aggressive swirling, notes of crushed rock, black currants and some forest floor notes emerge. Impressively built, medium to full-bodied, layered and stunningly concentrated, this is a sleeper vintage for Leoville Las Cases that should improve considerably, given how closed it was the day I tasted it. It is another 30+ year wine from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon.