critic reviews
The 2023 Le Petit Lion has a more herbaceous bouquet than expected, though well-defined and "classic" in style, touches of incense emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh entry, slightly gritty tannins, overtly saline in the mouth, so that there is plenty of sapidity on the finish. Not a long-term prospect, that is not its intention, but it channels that "old school claret" personality with class.
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 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%.