Petit Lion de Las Cases 2009

2009 is the debut vintage of the estate's new second wine. The 2009 Le Petit Lion (a 2,000-case blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a luscious, fruit-driven effort produced from young vine parcels in the famous Le Clos, the vineyard next to Chateau Latour that is responsible for Leoville Las Cases. Le Petit Lion exhibits abundant fruit, easy-going tannins, and a forward mouthfeel. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years. (Tasted once.)

This is de facto the second wine of Chateau Leoville Las-Lascases that was introduced in 2007, de-selected vines from the clos that were recently replanted and are now between 15 and 18-years of age. It has a rather straight-laced nose, very correct with good definition, touches of blackberry leaf, briary and a nice mineral content. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with very fine concentration, good acidity here cutting through those thick, chewy black fruits, a little oaky towards the finish, but nicely focused and a Saint Julien that should be approachable a little sooner than the Grand Vin. Tasted March 2010.