critic reviews
Displays the tannic grip and heft that you hope to get in the 2nd wine of Léoville Las Cases, opening with a great dollop of spice, cocoa bean, espresso, black chocolate, black tea, and bright cassis fruit - will need a few years after bottling to fully open up. Harvest September 9 to October 2, 30% new oak for ageing. Includes the vines for both La Petite Marquise and Le Petit Lion since the 2021 vintage.
The 2023 Le Petit Lion matured in 30% new oak for 14 months. It has an attractive, classic, well-defined nose of marine-tinged black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet entry, though the mid-palate needs more precision, and there is a very slight herbaceous element toward the finish. I feel that there is a wider-than-usual difference between this and the Grand Vin this year.
The 2023 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases is deep garnet-purple in color. It features vivacious scents of redcurrant jelly, crushed blackcurrants, and kirsch leading to wafts of dried herbs and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is racy and lively, with crunchy red and black fruits and a lightly chewy texture, finishing with an herbal lift. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The alcohol is 13.5%.