Le Petit Lion Du Marquis De Las Cases, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France, 2010, 750ml

Le Petit Lion is the second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases and takes the prize for cutest label. Except, if that lion cub was actually there and was actually that size it would be completely terrifying. From its position next to Château Latour, Super Second Léoville Las Cases produces Saint-Julien’s flagship wine and commands prices befitting of its status. This second wine – made with the same care and attention as the Grand Vin – therefore offers a window into not only an exceptional vintage but also one of Bordeaux’s finest estates.

Sleek and well-rendered, this features an iron note that runs from start to finish, along with ganache, charcoal, pastis and crushed plum and blackberry fruit. Not as dense as the top examples, but offers textbook typicity, solid drive and a long finish. Best from 2014 through 2024. 8,333 cases made. — Wine Spectator, March 2013, 91 pts