Clos du Marquis 2003

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

In 2003, this was the second wine of Leoville Las Cases as opposed to a separate entity. A brilliant effort, it was harvested between September 11 and 26, and boasts 13.3% natural alcohol. The final blend was 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Its deep garnet/ruby/plum color is followed by notes of bay leaf, black currants, licorice and lead pencil shavings. The wine is deep, full-bodied, rich and fully mature, but its length, richness, freshness and complete feel suggest it will continue to drink well for 7-8 years. It’s a beauty.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2003 Clos du Marquis is one of the finest second wines of the Medoc. Forty-six percent of the crop was used in this blend of 54.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.6% Merlot, and 2.9% Petit Verdot. With higher alcohol (13.43%) than its big sister (13.27%), it exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, great fruit, medium body, tremendous purity, and a long, flashy finish. It should drink well for 10-15 years.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2003 Clos du Marquis possesses higher alcohol (13.4%) than the 2003 grand vin, no doubt because of the higher percentage of Merlot in the final blend. This impressive sleeper of the vintage boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as abundant amounts of fleshy, black cherry and currant fruit interwoven with mocha, vanillin, and spice box. Pure, layered, upfront, and already delicious, it should be drunk over the next 12-15 years.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

There is a lot of vanillary oak on the nose with black plum, damson and a touch of coconut. It exhibits a lot of panache, less in the way of intellect of delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a plump, fleshy entry, generous black fruit with a modern, silky sheen, leading to a supple finish. Fine, but there are much better Clos du Marquis out there. Tasted October 2010.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This wine’s 13.4% alcohol is even higher than its bigger sibling’s. The 2003 Clos du Marquis exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, a classic nose of cassis and earth, medium to full body, supple tannins, and a long, fleshy, multi-layered finish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The Clos du Marquis 2003 has a ripe bouquet of damson, clove and bay leaf that is well defined, almost Pauillac in style. It improves in the glass with touches of marmalade coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, good acidity and a fine, quite exotic marmalade tinged finish that fans out nicely across the mouth. I cannot see it improving, but it offers pleasure now. Tasted March 2013.