Chateau Leoville-Las Cases - 'Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases' 2016
Price: $94.99
| Producer | Chateau Leoville-Las Cases |
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| Country | France |
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| Region | Bordeaux |
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| Subregion | Saint-Julien |
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| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
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| Vintage | 2016 |
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| Sku | 37241 |
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Chateau Leoville-Las Cases Description
The Petit Lion shares the philosophy of its two elder siblings; it is vinified and aged in order to preserve its fresh, ripe fruit flavours throughout its life. However, it is designed as a second wine, and is therefore made to be more accessible and for earlier drinking, with a significant proportion of Merlot used in the blend. The year 2016 started off with the water tables full, thanks to the heavy rainfall from January to March. Three difficult months for the vineyard workers but which saved the day for this vintage! The mild temperatures in March ensured an early budburst but the colder, rainy mornings in April slowed down the growth cycle.From mid-June to mid-October, rainfall was well below the seasonal average. During the first two weeks of August, the colour change was short and even on each of the properties. The grapes developed in radiant, dry weather conditions. Light showers appeared in mid-September to re-boost the ripening process on the terroirs offering less water retention, thus perfecting the maturation of the tannins. The absolutely perfect weather conditions during harvest time allowed us to pick grapes boasting remarkable quality.
Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points
The second wine of Léoville Las Cases, the 2016 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases includes more old vine Merlot and is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc that spent 14 months in 30% new French oak. It's a "Wow" of a second wine and has a big nose of crème de cassis, black cherries, forest floor, and tobacco, with some almost Pauillac-like lead pencil and minerality. Full-bodied, with bright acidity and remarkable purity as well as ripe tannins, it's a 30-year wine. How's that for a second wine?
Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points
This elegant wine comes from young vines in the Clos of Léoville las Cases. It has something of the same structure but with a juicy fruitiness that contrasts with the tannins and density. Drink the wine from 2023.
Vinous: 92 Points
The 2016 Le Petit Lion is a very pretty wine, but it is also going to need a few years to come into its own, as the tannins are quite firm post-bottling. There is good energy to the red cherry fruit, spice and chalky notes, but, at the same time, Le Petit Lion is a rare second wine that is going to need a few years to come into its own. Tasted two times.
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
The 2016 Le Petit Lion is composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with notions of warm blackcurrants, blackberry pie, redcurrant jelly and tilled soil with touches of hoisin, Sichuan pepper, unsmoked cigars, red roses and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with vibrant red and black fruit preserves, with a wonderfully fine-grained frame and very long, lifted finish.
Wine Spectator: 90 Points
Solid, with dark plum and anise notes at the core, laced with mouthwatering briar and apple wood accents. Shows a textbook AOC profile, but not superdense, so drink as soon as this settles in while you wait for the big boys. Best from 2021 through 2030. 5,833 cases made.
