Clos du Marquis 2000

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Roberson’s Las-Cases vertical. The 2000 displays good intensity on the nose: blackcurrant, pomegranate, a touch of raspberry and vanilla. At present, this is more generous than the 2005, although not quite the same definition and breeding. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, graphite and a touch of tar interlacing the dark fruits. I prefer the finish on the 2005 to the 2000. This is very masculine and punchy at the moment, although doubtless it will mellow with another 3-4 years ageing. Tasted February 2011.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Clos de Marquis has always been a reference point for excellent second wines. The 2000 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with aromas and flavors of cherries and cassis. Its textbook style reveals elegance, purity, and overall harmony. Rich, medium-bodied, and moderately tannic, it will be at its peak between 2004-2015.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Superb when tasted out of barrel. Then after bottling in November 2004. A pure blackberry nose with notes of cassis, violets and super-ripe cherry. The palate is quite tannic, perhaps even a little too sweet. Very opulent and modern in style, but still very well made and hugely enjoyable. Drink from 2006.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The second wine of Leoville-Las-Cases, Clos de Marquis is frequently as good or better than many Medoc classified growths. The 2000 is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of earthy black cherries and currants intermixed with minerals, spice box, and vanilla. There is good underlying acidity, medium to full body, excellent to outstanding concentration, and a structured, moderately tannic finish. It will require 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age nicely for 15+ years.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

One of the great sleepers of the vintage and probably the best Clos de Marquis I have ever tasted, this wine could easily compete with many of the vintage's classified growths. Dense, opaque purple-colored, with creme de cassis, vanilla, and cherry notes, medium to full body, an unctuous texture, low acidity, and a more evolved style than its bigger sibling, Leoville Las Cases, this dense, chewy, remarkably concentrated and stylish wine should be at its best between 2005 and 2018.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good full medium ruby. Superripe, exotic aromas of roasted currant, smoked meat and cocoa powder. Sweet, lush and silky, with compelling depth of texture and an intriguing gamey note. Very long finish features lush tannins.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Medium full ruby. Aromatic nose combines black cherry, violet, minerals, mint, chocolate and shoe polish. Sweet and lush in the mouth but with excellent vinosity and firm backbone giving the wine a penetrating quality. Finishes firmly tannic but not dry, with impressively persistent, sweet flavors of dark berries and minerals.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Medium ruby. Blackberry, cassis, black licorice and menthol on the nose. Large-scaled and voluminous for this wine, but inky and a bit monolithic today. Fresh black fruit flavors are nicely framed by sound acidity. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins. Will make a big mouthful of wine.