2018 Le Petit Lion de Lascases

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 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.