2016 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases ‘Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases’

2016 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases ‘Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases’

2016 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases ‘Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases’ is the second wine of Chateau Leoville Las Cases. With vines averaging 40 years of age, the 98-hectare vineyard grows in soil with Garrone gravel resting on subsoils sandy-gravel and clay-gravel. This wine produced in the Saint-Julien appellation is aged in barrels (30% new). The Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2016 is made from a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

At Chateau Leoville Las Cases, the 2016 vintage was noted for its heavy rainfall and mild temperatures until March, and this led to early bud burst. The month of April was quite cold and damp, and this slowed down the development of the vine. From mid-June to mid-October, fairly dry weather followed, and this allowed for a quick and consistent veraison. The rains of mid-September were life-saving and gave relief to those vines suffering from water stress. Finally, the berries could ripen perfectly and the harvest took place from September 30 to October 19.

At tasting, The wine has a complex nose of sea-breeze and spicy notes. On the palate, there are firm tannins of great finesse. On the finish, the Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2016 is very precise.