Château Latour

Château Léoville-Las Cases is located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. In 1855, it was classified as 'second growth (cru duxieme)'. The wines of Château Léoville-Las Cases are predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller quantities of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The history of the property dates back to the mid-17th century, when it was part of a much larger estate. During the French Revolution (1789-1799), it was divided in two (the smaller part became Château Léoville Barton). In 1840, the original estate was divided again, creating Château Léoville-Poyferre.

It comprises 98 hectares of vineyards planted with 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The soil in the vineyards is mainly gravel with a base of sand and clay. In some areas, the clay reaches the surface. The proximity of the Gironde mitigates weather extremes, reduces the risk of frost and allows the grapes to ripen earlier than inland vineyards. The vines are on average 40 years old.

Léoville-Las Cases produces three wines, all red. He is credited with being one of the first Bordeaux producers to release a second wine, Clos du Marquis, in 1902. The wine is produced from a separate vineyard. The real second wine, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases, was released in 2007 and is a merlot-dominated wine made from younger vines not yet ready for grand vin.

Domaines Delon, the owners of the estate, also own Château Potensac in Medoc and Château Nénin in Pomerol.