Saint-Julien
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc.
Clos du Marquis is a wood-aged red wine made by Château Léoville Las Cases, one of Medoc’s historic estates. It was part of a much larger estate until it was split during the French Revolution, and it is now owned by Jean-Hubert Delon. They make two wines, their grand vin Château Léoville, and a second wine called Clos du Marquis. These two wines are full of character and elegance, they are made from an exceptional terroir and they perfectly express the Saint-Julien way.
Clos du Marquis comes from 98 hectares of exceptional vineyards. The vines are 30 years old, on average, and are planted in gravel soils that benefit from the microclimate created by the nearby Gironde River. In the winery, the grapes macerate for 15-20 days and then they vinify at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for 18 months in new, 225-litre French oak barrels before being bottled.
James Suckling: 95-96 points/100
This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023?
Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 93-95 points/100
The 2023 Clos du Marquis might very well be the best Clos du Marquis I have ever tasted. A wine of freshness and verve, the 2023 is all nuance. Sweet red plum, blood orange, spice, flowers, mint and white pepper are all finely cut. The 2023 shows more vibrancy, less oak extraction and more refined tannins than in the past. It’s a glorious wine in every way. This early tasting is hugely promising. Clos du Marquis could turn out to be one of the real surprises of 2023. Drink 2028-2043.
Jane Anson: 94 points/100
Squid ink, cassis, bilberry, roses, love the intensity and gorgeous salinity of this wine. Captures the sense of energy and florality in the best Cabernets of 2023, although retains the austerity that you expect from this site in its early years. First vintage in the new cellars, moving from 40 vats to 80 vats, with 30 microvinification vats. Harvest September 6 to October 5, 50% new oak for ageing, 44hl/h yields.
Squid ink, cassis, bilberry, roses, love the intensity and gorgeous salinity of this wine. Captures the sense of energy and florality in the best Cabernets of 2023, although retains the austerity that you expect from this site in its early years. First vintage in the new cellars, moving from 40 vats to 80 vats, with 30 microvinification vats. Harvest September 6 to October 5, 50% new oak for ageing, 44hl/h yields.