The second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases, the 2018 Le Petit Lion checks in as a more Merlot-dominated wine that is 45% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It also sees slightly less new oak, being brought up in 30% new oak. Beautiful crème de cassis, graphite, white flowers, cedary herbs, and tobacco give way to medium to full-bodied, elegant wine with classy, fine-grained tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20+.

Reserved in style, but very sleek, with a hint of iron running just under the cover of dark plum and cassis notes. The finish is tightly-grained and focused, with a flash of charcoal at the very end. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 6,650 cases made.

The 2018 Le Petit Lion has a light, earthy bouquet of dusky black fruit, a light marine scent emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. A little orange zest emerges toward the finish, which lingers nicely. This is an approachable Deuxième Vin, which is what I suspect is its intention, but it will give up to 10 years of drinking pleasure.