The 2022 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the St Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This wine presents itself with a vibrant, rich character that has garnered praise from several esteemed wine reviewers.
Decanter awarded the wine a score of 94, highlighting its fragrance and vibrant energy. They noted, "black and blue fruits with purple flowers" on the nose, and described it as "juicy and alive in the mouth." They emphasized its "serious but playful" nature, crediting its "depth, complexity and persistence."
Jane Anson, scoring it 92, pointed out its "inky plum colour" and "drying tannins," describing the wine as powerful and intense with "iodine and oyster shell concentration." She praised its aging potential, calling it an "impressive second wine."
Vinous also gave it a 94, with Antonio Galloni commending its complexity and distinction. He described it as "rich and sumptuous," with notes of "black cherry, gravel, scorched earth, licorice and lavender." Galloni found the wine "absolutely compelling" with "terrific depth and density."
James Suckling awarded the wine a 93, appreciating its "juicy and layered" character with "blackberry and black cherry" notes. He described it as "full and rich" with a "fine texture" and "lots of tannins." The blend consists of 55.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.5% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc.
Jeb Dunnuck, also scoring it 93, described the wine as "full-bodied, ripe, [and] concentrated" with "classic aromatics of cassis, violets, blueberries, and tobacco." He noted its "present tannins" and "outstanding length," though he mentioned the tannin quality as a step back from the Grand Vin.
Jeff Leve echoed similar sentiments with a score of 93, describing it as "medium-bodied, fresh, [and] easy to like." He noted layers of "cassis, black cherries, smoke, herbs, and cedar," calling it "a good example of a baby Leoville Las Cases."
Overall, the 2022 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases stands out as a well-constructed, complex, and highly drinkable Bordeaux blend with remarkable aging potential.