Château Leoville Las Cases St. Julien 2003

This is massive, hugely concentrated, topped with wood and intense tannins. Flavours of bitter chocolate are dominant, heavy fruits, blackberries and texture that fills the mouth with dark, dense flavours. Big in all senses. 13.2% ABV.

There's a lovely backdrop of charcoal and paving stone notes here, offset by juicy black currant, fig, melted liquorice and ganache flavours. Sweet tobacco hints course through the finish, where the cold charcoal steadily turns to lit embers. Impressively maintains some austerity in this vintage. 97 Points Wine Spectator, 97 Points James Suckling, 96 Points Robert Parker.