Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2020

The finest expression of a Saint-Julien Cru Classé whose freshness is matched only by its elegance

The property

With wines that achieve, vintage after vintage, a prowess, excellence and elegance, Château Léoville Las Cases is today one of the most iconic properties of the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation located on the left bank of the Bordeaux region.

The vineyard

The 55-hectare Château Léoville Las Cases vineyard is planted within the famous Clos de Léoville, the complexity of which constitutes a veritable mosaic of terroirs. Located near the Gironde, the vineyard benefits from the thermal regulation of the river, which results in mild temperatures and offers protection against frost. Combined with the presence of Günzian gravel soils over gravel-sandy subsoils with deep and shallow clay, the terroir of Château Léoville Las Cases brings together all the conditions necessary to produce legendary wines.

The wine

It was in 2007 that Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases first saw the light of day. The second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases is vinified from plots of vines located in Clos Léoville Las Cases. Following in the footsteps of its two elders, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases is vinified and aged with the same care as the other wines of the property. With a greater proportion of Merlot in the blend, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases offers more immediate accessibility in its youth.

The vintage

The superb Grand Clos de Léoville Las Cases terroir first experienced a mild and rainy winter, followed by an equally humid and hot spring. This climate resulted in a general precocity of the vine cycle. Subsequently, the summer was favourable for the peaceful development of the fruit, the quantity of which was less than in the previous year, but which was still of remarkable quality. The low rainfall at the end of August, as well as the optimal thermal amplitudes, favoured the exceptional aromatic maturity of the grapes.

The blend

Cabernet sauvignon (50%), merlot (44%) and cabernet franc (6%).

The tasting

En primeur, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2020 from Château Léoville Las Cases dazzles the senses with a perfect balance between generosity and the aromatic intensity typical of the château's terroir. This second wine bears the sublime signature of Léoville Las Cases right down to the impressive length on its finish. The character of the plots dedicated to young Cabernet and old Merlots is fully felt through this wine.