Coming from young Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot plus some older vines, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Le Petit Lion is composed of 53% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. It is a little closed and broody to begin, opening out to offer notes of baked plums, warm black cherries and boysenberries with touches of garrigue, lavender, anise and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, with firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular fruit, finishing long with some mineral accents coming through.