2021 Le Petit Lion de Lascases
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Tasting notes
Readers looking for a more approachable version of the Grand Vin will love the 2021 Le Petit Lion, a pretty, medium-bodied, elegant Saint-Julien. Cassis and raspberry fruits, some graphite and spicy, floral notes, nicely integrated acidity, and a focused, linear, seamless mouthfeel all make for an already delicious, classy second wine that will drink nicely over the coming 10-12 years. The blend is 57% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Le Petit Lion has a very attractive bouquet that, compared to the preceding Potensac, has much more vigor and clarity: blackberry, raspberry, crushed rock and light graphite aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, black olive and mulberry combining nicely toward a sapid finish that just needs a bit more refinement. A little chewy in texture, it could use another two years in bottle.
The 2021 Le Petit Lion is a fine second wine. It offers terrific energy in a soft, approachable style that will offer plenty of enjoyment over the next 15-20 years. Crushed flowers, spice, red cherry fruit, mint and white pepper lend brilliance. The 2021 is an articulate, reserved Petit Lion. This is very nicely done.
The 2021 Le Petit Lion is a strong effort, offering aromas of plums, cassis, licorice and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and fleshy palate framed by powdery tannins and concluding with a long, violet-inflected finish. As readers may remember, it's a mix of mainly young-vine Cabernet Sauvignon and old-vine, less optimally exposed Merlot in a block that borders Latour.
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.