2009 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases
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Tasting notes
The first vintage for the estate's second wine, the 2009 Le Petit Lion is based on 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and there were roughly 2,000 cases produced. It's a charming, medium-bodied, mid-weight effort with classy notes of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and earthy, forest floor. Fully mature, it’s not going to get any better, yet it's elegant, lightly textured, thoroughly enjoyable, and in no danger of falling off a cliff over the coming decade.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very concentrated and rich – very 2009 on the nose. Tannins already softening but they are there, well hidden. Round and sweet. But quite evolved. (JR)
The second wine, the newly-named 2009 Le Petit Lion, is composed of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Sauvignon. Made in an up-front, fruity style, it exhibits notes of underbrush, unsmoked cigar tobacco, blackberries and black raspberries. Medium-bodied, soft, round and easy-going, it can be enjoyed over the next decade.
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.