2025 Le Petit Lion de Las Cases
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Le Petit Lion was picked at 23 hl/ha and matured in 27% new oak, with a slightly higher percentage of Merlot this year, which is now split into three tanks in the new winery. This needed a few swirls just to "calm down" in the glass, cohering with black plum, violet and light minty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a precocious entry, although alcohol is 13.6%. Smooth towards the finish, with a dab of licorice that lingers on the aftertaste. Fine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A juicy, lively wine, the 2025 Le Petit Lion is the third vintage vinified at the new winery and is based on 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that's being raised in 27% new barrels. The nose offers ripe red and blue fruits, flowers, violets, and a wonderful, almost Pauillac-like graphite character. Medium-bodied on the palate, it's balanced and lively, with ripe tannins, juicy acidity, and outstanding length. It checks in at 13.6% alcohol with a pH of 3.5.
Chalky, pulpy and well framed, with aromas of red berries, chocolate and wet stones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Velvety at the center, with a long, flavorful, lively finish.
The 2025 Le Petit Lion is a bold, juicy wine. Dark-toned fruit, rose petal, lavender and mocha all take shape in the glass, framed by soft contours that wrap it all together in style. This Merlot-driven Saint-Julien is all charm, but it also has plenty of depth and underlying structure.
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.