Decanter (2023) 94 / 100

Fragranced and scented, so appealing, rich, vibrant, alive on the nose, black and blue fruits with purple flowers. Juicy and alive in the mouth, straight away the acidity makes the mark, clean and clear, with bite and tang, so thrilling, energetic and racy but then the tannins come in, slightly chalky, grippy and firm giving the texture - serious but with a touch of sweetness that gives a playful aspect. Well constructed, precise but weighty, intense and concentrated. A great wine that gives depth, complexity and persistence but with such great drinkability - and grand vin quality.

JM Quarin (2023) 94 / 100

Couleur sombre et profonde. Nez intense, fin, fruité, mûr et même complexe. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, gras au toucher, le vin monte en finale, long, séveux, aromatique, sur un grain fin. C'est très bon.

Vinous (A. Galloni) (2023) 92 - 94 / 100

The 2022 Petit Lion is rich and sumptuous, but much more than that in terms of its complexity and distinction. Dramatic and sweeping, the 2022 is immediately captivating. Black cherry, gravel, scorched earth, licorice and lavender infuse the 2022 with tons of nuance. In this tasting, the Petit Lion is absolutely compelling. There’s terrific depth and density here, likely because of the high percentage of Merlot. What a gorgeous wine it is.

Yves Beck (2023) 92 - 94 / 100

Le bouquet du Petit Lion se révèle avec subtilité, mais il ne manque pas d’afficher du charme également. Ceci est d’ailleurs bien relayé par le palais qui affiche d’entrée un caractère gourmand. Le muscle ne manque pas, la puissance non plus, mais dans une mesure moins soulignée qu’à l’accoutumé, avec une bonne symbiose entre rondeur, ampleur et tension. Un vin de caractère qui annonce bien la couleur et que l’on pourra déjà apprécier jeune… mais sans se presser ! 2027-2037

James Suckling (2023) 92 - 93 / 100

A juicy and layered red with blackberry and black cherry character. Full and rich. Crunchy. Fine texture, but lots of tannins.

Jeff Leve (2023) 92 / 100

With a black currant based core of fruit, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, easy to like, and is ready to displays its layers of cassis, black cherries, smoke, herbs, and cedar. This is a good example of a baby Leoville Las Cases. Drink from 2026-2038.

Vinous (N. Martin) (2023) 90 - 92 / 100

The 2022 Le Petit Lion now includes the best parcels of the second wine of Clos du Marquis. Dark berry fruit, black olive compote and a light estuarine scent on the nose. It is quite powerful and well-defined, one can admire the focus. The palate is medium-bodied with rather chalky tannins on the entry. Firm in structure and saline, there is just a touch of abruptness on the chewy finish that should fill out during its barrel maturation.

Appellation	Saint-Julien
Classement	2nd vin
Superficie	25 ha
Encépagement	Merlot 80 % - Cabernet Franc 15 % - Cabernet Sauvignon 5 %
Age moyen des vignes	30 ans
Sols et sous-sol	Grave du Quaternaire sur sous-sols gravelo-sableux et argileux
Elevage	Barriques neuves 75 % pendant 12 à 33 mois