The 2014 Le Petit Lion retains that earthy bouquet that I remarked upon when I tasted this Deuxième Vin from barrel. Tightly wound black fruit, mixed with a hint of shucked oyster shell surfaces from the glass. The palate is well balanced with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, an almost sorbet-like freshness with touches of blood orange tincturing the slightly tart, but pleasing finish. This has turned out admirably in bottle.

The 2014 Le Petit Lion du Marquis de las Cases is open-knit, gracious and quite pretty, but also understated and therefore completely different in style than the Grand Vin. Dark red plum, spice, new leather and cedar grace the silky finish. The 2014 is mostly old-vine Merlot that the winemaking team deemed not suitable for the Grand Vin, along with younger-vine Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend is 57% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Tasted blind. Neutral, putty nose and then very severe dry palate without any obvious ripeness and charm. May develop into something much more pleasing. Sour end. (JR)