2022, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases, SAINT-JULIEN

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

The second wine of Léoville Las Cases. The 2022 is a blend of 55.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.5% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

The 2022 Petit Lion is rich and sumptuous, but much more than that in terms of its complexity and distinction. Dramatic and sweeping, the 2022 is immediately captivating. Black cherry, gravel, scorched earth, liquorice and lavender infuse the 2022 with tons of nuance. In this tasting, the Petit Lion is absolutely compelling. There’s terrific depth and density here, likely because of the high percentage of Merlot. What a gorgeous wine it is. 92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Inky plum colour, this has edges of drying tannins but this is a powerful wine, a ton of intensity, iodine and oyster shell concentration, and tannic heft. A great En Primeur sample that has that sappy, astringent character that gives such confidence for its ageing potential. Impressive second wine. 92 Jane Anson.

Fragranced and scented, so appealing, rich, vibrant, alive on the nose, black and blue fruits with purple flowers. Juicy and alive in the mouth, straight away the acidity makes the mark, clean and clear, with bite and tang, so thrilling, energetic and racy but then the tannins come in, slightly chalky, grippy and firm giving the texture - serious but with a touch of sweetness that gives a playful aspect. Well constructed, precise but weighty, intense and concentrated. A great wine that gives depth, complexity and persistence but with such great drinkability - and grand vin. 94 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2037