Clos du Marquis 2008

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Clos du Marquis is an excellent Saint Julien from Mon. Delon, although it did not quite meet my expectations under blind conditions. It has a refined, well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and Margaux-like violets. The aromatics are fresh and vibrant with well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied and succulent, fleshy and generous with a sweet, velvety finish. Very satisfying, though it is perhaps not a long term Saint Julien. Tasted January 2012.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A pretty wine and a classic Bordeaux, this 2008 has attractive notes of minerals intermixed with fruitcake and sweet currant fruit. Medium-bodied and pure, with a dense ruby/purple color, it should drink nicely for 10 years at the very minimum.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

For many years, Las Cases’ second wine has been the equivalent of a classified growth in the Medoc. The 2008 Clos du Marquis may be one of the two or three finest second wines I have tasted from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that came in at 13.5% natural alcohol, it is a pure, deep, full-bodied effort displaying classic aromas of creme de cassis, licorice, and crushed rocks. On the palate, there is a sensational black fruit character, no hard edges, and a seamless integration of all the component parts. This wine should drink beautifully for 15 or more years.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Leoville Las-Cases, the Clos du Marquis is quite closed on the nose, but comes across as polished and harmonious. There are scents of dark cherry and a touch of plum and developing a heady violet perfume with further aeration. The palate is full-bodied with luscious, almost voluptuous tannins, soft and sensual but that belies the structure that lends this Clos du Marquis its backbone. This will be approachable young but should age as Clos du Marquis tends to do...with style. Drink 2013-2025+ Tasted October 2010.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

En primeur barrel sample. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with 7.5% pressed wine, this has one of the few “voluptuous” noses of the vintage, quite lush with violets, cassis and black plum soaring from the glass: this is a bouquet that embraces you - very sensuous. Very smooth on the entry, this Clos du Marquis is blessed with silky tannins that really caress that palate. Black cherries and blueberries with cassis coming through on the back palate, the Merlot driving it through to the fleshy finish with surprisingly good weight. Top class. Tasted April 2009.