2018 Le Petit Lion de Lascases
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Le Petit Lion is blended of 45% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, sourced from within the Las Cases enclosure. The wine has 14.47% alcohol and was aged in 30% new barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of black and red cherry preserves, freshly crushed blackcurrants and smoked meats with hints of dried bay leaves, Sichuan pepper and clove oil plus a touch of tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the impressive black fruit and savory layers, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases, the 2018 Le Petit Lion checks in as a more Merlot-dominated wine that is 45% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It also sees slightly less new oak, being brought up in 30% new oak. Beautiful crème de cassis, graphite, white flowers, cedary herbs, and tobacco give way to medium to full-bodied, elegant wine with classy, fine-grained tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20+.
The 2018 Le Petit Lion has a light, earthy bouquet of dusky black fruit, a light marine scent emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. A little orange zest emerges toward the finish, which lingers nicely. This is an approachable Deuxième Vin, which is what I suspect is its intention, but it will give up to 10 years of drinking pleasure.
About the producer
One of the leading estates in Bordeaux, Ch. Léoville Las Cases is one of the largest and oldest Classed Growths in the Médoc. Along with Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou, it is widely considered one of the best estates in Saint-Julien.