Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases is the second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases. Aged 40 years on average, the 98-hectare vineyard is planted on soils made up of Garonne gravel on sandy-gravel and clay-gravel subsoils. This cuvée produced in the Saint-Julien appellation is aged in barrels (30% new). Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2016 is made from a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.
At Château Léoville Las Cases, the 2016 vintage was marked by high rainfall and mild temperatures until March, which resulted in early bud burst. The month of April is quite cold and humid, slowing down the development of the vines. From mid-June to mid-October, the weather follows fairly dry, allowing rapid and even veraison. The rains in mid-September are lifesaving and help unblock the vines most sensitive to water stress. Finally, the berries can ripen perfectly and the harvest takes place optimally from September 30 to October 19.
At the tasting, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2016 develops a successful nose with marine and spicy notes (spices). In the mouth, the tannins are quite firm and of great finesse. In the final, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2016 shows great precision.