2018 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de las Cases

2018 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases is a finely crafted red from one of Saint-Julien’s most revered estates, Château Léoville Las Cases. Positioned as the more approachable sibling to the grand vin, it offers serious Left Bank structure wrapped in vivid, generous fruit. First produced in 2007, Le Petit Lion has quickly become a reference point for those seeking classically styled Bordeaux with a slightly earlier drinking window, without sacrificing pedigree or finesse.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Le Petit Lion shows a deep garnet-purple hue, dense and youthful at the rim. The nose is expressive and layered, opening with black and red cherry compote, fresh-crushed cassis and ripe blackberry, before revealing notes of smoked meat, dried bay leaf, Sichuan pepper and clove, with a subtle undertone of cigar and tobacco leaf. On the palate, this is medium to medium-plus in body, with a ripe core of dark fruit framed by a firm but finely grained tannic structure. The Merlot brings plush plum and cherry, while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc add cassis, graphite, spice and a gentle savory edge. A vibrant line of acidity keeps everything fresh and lifted, and the spice from 30% new oak is well integrated, showing as hints of vanilla, cedar and warm baking spices. The finish is long, with a refreshing, peppery snap and lingering notes of black fruit and dried herbs. Enjoyable now with a short decant, it has the concentration and structure to age gracefully for 10–15 years from vintage, gaining complexity and softer tannins with time.

Production
Le Petit Lion 2018 is sourced from vines within the historic Las Cases sector, drawing fruit from both the Clos du Marquis and the famous L’Enclos parcels in Saint-Julien. The terroir combines organically rich black sandy soils—typical of the Clos du Marquis area—with the clay-gravel mix that defines L’Enclos, giving both aromatic finesse and structural backbone. Grapes are traditionally hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and rigorously sorted to ensure only the best berries are used. The blend of 45% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc is vinified in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve purity of fruit, followed by malolactic fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, around 30% of which are new. This careful élevage polishes the tannins and adds subtle spice without overwhelming the character of the fruit or the terroir.

Food & Serving
This Saint-Julien is a natural match for classic dishes like roast lamb with herbs, entrecôte steak, duck breast, or beef braised in red wine. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, mushroom-based dishes, truffled poultry, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or mature cheddar. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) for optimal expression. In its youth, decanting for 1–2 hours will help open up the aromatics and soften the tannins; as it gains bottle age, a shorter decant primarily to remove any sediment will be sufficient.

Producer
Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the most iconic estates of the Médoc, classified as a Deuxième Cru (Second Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and long regarded as a ‘super second’ for its exceptional quality and longevity. Situated in Saint-Julien, with parcels that border the famed Château Latour in Pauillac, the estate is known for producing wines of remarkable structure, depth and terroir expression. Over the decades, Léoville Las Cases has built a reputation for precision viticulture and meticulous winemaking, consistently crafting some of the most age-worthy and sought-after wines on the Left Bank. Le Petit Lion, introduced in 2007, reflects the same philosophy and exacting standards, offering a more accessible but still thoroughly serious expression of this great estate’s unique terroir.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.