Established in 1902, Clos du Marquis is the second wine of Ch. Leoville Las-Cases, usually exhibiting typical Saint-Julien structure, complexity, balance, distinction and strong ageing potential.
A wine of generous proportions yet pinpoint precision, the word “racy” has been used more than once to describe the 2016 Clos du Marquis. A richly exotic and expansive palate is centered around a sturdy backbone and exquisite structure resulting in a classically styled wine that will continue to develop with cellaring.
"Medium to deep garnet-purple coloured and composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Clos du Marquis gives up gorgeous notions of crushed plums, blackberries and cassis with hints of chocolate box, pencil lead, menthol and lavender. The palate is medium-bodied, very finely crafted and refreshing with firm yet fine-grained tannins, great intensity and a long, mineral-laced finish.
Thanks to its proximity to the estuary, Léoville Las Cases was spared from frost damage in 2017. There was only a small amount of frost on the western edge of the Clos du Marquis vineyard, which was until 2007 a second wine, but now comes from its own dedicated vineyard to the west of Léoville Las Cases, but of course still in Saint-Julien. All the final blends were made in December and the wines were in barrel before Christmas."
91-93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
"Cabernet Sauvignon focus (72%) with the older vines. 27% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. 55% new oak. pH 3.73, IPT 65.
Deepest crimson with black core. Gorgeous dark fruit, with savoury/graphite as counterpoint to the cassis. A hint of oak char but at the right level for harmony at this point. Benchmark Cabernet flavours, pure and refined and fresh. Very precise fruit, long. Firm but dry. Smooth, deep texture and excellent freshness. 13.48% Drink 2025-2035"
17 points, Julia Harding MW for jancisrobinson.com
"The 2017 Clos du Marquis was cropped at 37hl/ha between 15 September and 4 October during an overall 15 days of actual picking. It is matured in 55% new oak and includes 6.2% vin depresse from 25 different lots. It has a more backward, tightly wound bouquet than I was expecting but it opens up with time. And wow, give it 10 minutes and that estuarine saline scent feels quite pungent. There is impressive density imbued into this Clos du Marquis, if not the detail, the precision of last year’s wine. There is plenty of “rondeur” towards the finish with a pleasant saltiness flanked by a hint of salted liquorice on the finish."
90-92 points, Neal Martin
"Firm and silky wine with very pretty dark-berry and cherry character with currant undertones. Pure quality of fruit is serious. Very salty on the finish. Bright acidity, too."
93-94 points, James Suckling
"The 2017 Clos du Marquis is fresh, lifted and wonderfully energetic, and yet also has quite a bit of textural depth. The flavours really sizzle in this highly expressive Saint-Julien from Hubert Delon. There is a sense of energy and tension to the 2017 that is impossible to miss. Much of that is attributable to the Cabernet Sauvignon that is the core of the wine this year. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift to the creamy, layered finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle."
90-93 points, Antonio Galloni
Small but mighty, the appellation of St.-Julien, on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, has long enjoyed a reputation for exceptional quality and consistency. Compared to its neighbours in Bordeaux, St.-Julien produces the highest proportion of classified-growth wines, with more than three-quarters of the vineyards devoted to top-ranked producers. They include several “Super Second” chateaux and many other outstanding classified growths and Cru Bourgeois. Saint-Julien wines are beautifully balanced, with a great richness, depth of colour, and elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon prevails, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc used for blending in the classic Bordeaux style.
