Le Petit Lion 2024 en Primeur

Fresh blueberries on the nose, crayon with some inky notes. Crayon, some floral blue flower notes. Sappy and lively, this is lightly framed, sleek in terms of tannin finesse - good focus and direction from start to finish - linear in texture but there’s a width of flavour that is really nice, slowly expanding with crunchy red berry fruits and lots of florality too. Super charming and this also has a touch of evocatism if you can believe that. Juicy acidity, clean, taut, just so enjoyable to drink. Really a light tannin touch but filled with energy. Ageing 25% new barrels for 14 months. 5.1% press. Yield 31hl/ha. 3.52pH.

The 2024 Le Petit Lion shows the more linear, juicy style of the vintage. Cassis, crunchy black cherries, tobacco, and sappy flower notes define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, focused, has ripe yet firmer tannins, and a good finish. It's a solid, classic, well-made, satisfying wine.

A stony nose with perfumed red berries and flowers and an impressive tannin structure. There is real energy and finesse here despite the lighter year. A very good second wine of Las Cases. Transparent, chalky and etched with minerals. 62% merlot, 34% cabernet sauvignon and 4% cabernet franc.

The 2024 Le Petit Lion was raised for 14 months in 25% new oak barrels. The nose reveals a touch of undergrowth infused with mainly black fruit, as touches of melted tar develop with time. The palate is medium-bodied with insistent grip on the entry, quite fluid and harmonious towards the finish as the expressive Merlot imparts flesh. This is a capable Deuxième Vin. Neal Martin.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Restrained, delicate nuances of red berries, a hint of currant and orange zest. Fresh and lively, red berries, racy acidity, salty finish, a light-footed, animating food companion.