Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien 2001

Appearance: Deep, dark ruby-red, nearly opaque, hinting at the wine's concentration and depth.

Aroma: The nose opens with subtle notes of dark cassis and cherry, but these fruit aromas remain somewhat restrained. Dominant on the nose are elegant nuances of new oak, cocoa, and a touch of lead pencil shavings, providing a sophisticated backdrop to the brooding fruit.

Palate: On the palate, dark fruit flavors of cassis and black cherry are brooding, with an introverted character that suggests further development with age. The wine's good acidity adds a lively element to the structure, while the oak is well-integrated, creating a firm, crunchy texture. Medium-bodied with high tannins, this wine delivers a structured and backward mouthfeel that will benefit from additional aging.

Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with the flavors of dark fruit and cocoa lingering on the palate. Despite its current introversion, the balance and elegance of this wine hint at its future potential.