2014 Le Petit Lion de Lascases
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Le Petit Lion has a tightly wound bouquet: blackberry and briary, pencil lead with a whiff of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, easy-going in style but there is commendable depth here, nicely balanced with just a subtle tang of spice towards the finish. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Neutral, putty nose and then very severe dry palate without any obvious ripeness and charm. May develop into something much more pleasing. Sour end. (JR)
As to the 2014s, the Le Petit Lion is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, and it’s a silky, seamless effort that shows the supple, elegant style of the vintage. With medium-bodied aromas and sweet red and black fruits, spice-box, and cedar, it has no hard edges and is undeniably charming and delicious. Drink it over the coming 15 years or so.
The 2014 Le Petit Lion retains that earthy bouquet that I remarked upon when I tasted this Deuxième Vin from barrel. Tightly wound black fruit, mixed with a hint of shucked oyster shell surfaces from the glass. The palate is well balanced with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, an almost sorbet-like freshness with touches of blood orange tincturing the slightly tart, but pleasing finish. This has turned out admirably in bottle.
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.