91-93 Clos du Marquis is being positioned by Jean-Hubert Delon as a separate single vineyard wine rather than Leoville Las Cases’ second wine. The logic is simple. It has come from the same vineyard for over twenty years, and is not a true second wine in the sense that it is not made from Las Cases’ discarded cuvees. The 2009 Clos du Marquis (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) came in at 13.75% alcohol. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue along with sweet notes of creme de cassis, great purity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and terrific texture as well as length. It should evolve for 20-25 years. (Tasted once.) Robert Parker
2009 Clos du Marquis 91-93 Tasted at the château. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot with 7.6% vin de presse, delivering 13.75% alcohol and a pH of 3.70. The Clos du Marquis has a sexy, quite opulent and very pure bouquet with lascivious red-berried fruits, vanilla, blueberry and a touch of cedar. The palate has a seamless entry, very focused and beautifully balanced, glides across that palate, filigree tannins, sensuous and silky towards the finish. Very alluring, but perhaps just missing a little delineation and edginess towards the finish. Still, this Clos du Marquis is as impressive as usual. Tasted March 2010. Neil Martin, Wine Advocate
CLOS DU MARQUIS Saint-Julien 15,75 // 88 Colorful wine, fruity nose, with a tender, flavorful, aromatic mouth, smooth taste. Pleasant finish with smooth tannin. Normal length. Jean-Marc Quarin
Too much Merlot in here, he says. Very deep crimson. Hint of smoked meat on the nose. Not as immediately charming as the Petit Lion on the nose though very sweet and Merlot on the palate. A little dry on the finish. Neither fish now fowl? 17/20 (Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com - Apr 2010)
750mL Format, Cork Closure