Le Petit Lion 2025 (750ML)

93-94 Points, Kevin Davy, JamesSuckling.com: "Chalky, pulpy and well framed, with aromas of red berries, chocolate and wet stones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Velvety at the center, with a long, flavorful, lively finish. Second wine of Las Cases." 04/26

90-92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2025 Le Petit Lion was picked at 23 hl/ha and matured in 27% new oak, with a slightly higher percentage of Merlot this year, which is now split into three tanks in the new winery. This needed a few swirls just to "calm down" in the glass, cohering with black plum, violet and light minty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a precocious entry, although alcohol is 13.6%. Smooth towards the finish, with a dab of licorice that lingers on the aftertaste. Fine." 05/26

91-93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "A juicy, lively wine, the 2025 Le Petit Lion is the third vintage vinified at the new winery and is based on 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that's being raised in 27% new barrels. The nose offers ripe red and blue fruits, flowers, violets, and a wonderful, almost Pauillac-like graphite character. Medium-bodied on the palate, it's balanced and lively, with ripe tannins, juicy acidity, and outstanding length. It checks in at 13.6% alcohol with a pH of 3.5." 05/26

94 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter: "Wildly fragrant, inky, blue fruit, tobacco almost headily perfumed. Pure and juicy, so approachable and accessible straight away with a bouncy element to the fine tannins and plump yet super bright fruit. The Cabernet brings a touch of backbone just straightening things out to the long finish, giving an undercurrent of structure and subtle power. But overall this is relaxed and super charming." 03/26

91-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2025 Le Petit Lion is a bold, juicy wine. Dark-toned fruit, rose petal, lavender and mocha all take shape in the glass, framed by soft contours that wrap it all together in style. This Merlot-driven Saint-Julien is all charm, but it also has plenty of depth and underlying structure." 04/26

94 Points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux: "Concentrated, a ton of sleek graphite, crayon, liqourice root, we are fully in the heart of Las Cases here, with its grip and slow climb through the palate, on the right side of austere, cocoa bean and cassis, a full mouth experience, push and pull, tension and grip. A fabulous 2nd wine, right up there with the best of the vintage. Michael Georges technical director. 30% new oak for ageing. Includes the vines for La Petite Marquise since the 2021 vintage." 04/26