In recent years, several vineyard plots in the Clos Leoville Las Cases were uprooted and replanted, and these are now coming into production. To preserve the quality level of the Grand Vin, Château Clos Leoville Las Cases, therefore decided it would create a second wine from the 2007 vintage. The Petit Lion shares the philosophy of its two elder siblings; it is vinified and aged in order to preserve its fresh, ripe fruit flavour throughout its life. However, it is designed as a second wine and is made to be more accessible and for earlier drinking, with a significant proportion of Merlot used in the blend.

Saint Julien first became famous for its Bordeaux wine back in the 17th century. At that time, St Julien was in the stage of development, to become a major Bordeaux wine producing appellation in the Left Bank when the entire area of the Medoc was discovered and populated by wealthy aristocrats. Coinciding with creating the famous vineyards we know today, the new landowners quickly began erecting massive showpiece chateaux throughout the region. Many of the original Saint Julien estates are still standing today and can be easily noticed while driving down the famous D2 highway.