Clos du Marquis 2014

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Clos du Marquis 2014 is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc cropped at 33 hectoliter per hectare and matured in 50% new wood. Picked between 30 September and 13 October, it has a ripe, quite opulent bouquet with layers of blackberry, dark plum and incense, a touch of pencil lead with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little pinched at the moment but it will “relax”. The alcohol level is one of the highest ever at 13.85% and yet it it counterbalanced by its freshness. In fact, the finish is quite classic in style and provides a pleasant juxtaposition with the more generous aromatics – it will be interesting to see how they develop during their élevage.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2014 Clos du Marquis, a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, has kept that soupçon of opulence that I observed when this was in barrel; it has layers of blackberry, raspberry coulis, incense and iris emerging from the glass whilst maintaining superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry. Graphite-infused red and black fruit on the front palate whilst the back is adorned with just a hint of blue fruit that lends this a more feminine allure. There is lovely balance here, fresh and focused with a touch of graphite borrowed from over the border in Pauillac. This is an excellent Clos du Marquis that will give 20 years of pleasure.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Clos du Marquis is a rich, powerful wine. Sweet tobacco, herb, anise and leather notes give the wine its distinctive savory/earthy profile. The 2014 is plump, juicy and quite dense for the year. The tannins are a bit rustic, but the 2014 is very nicely rendered. Today, the 2014 is a bit less gracious than it was from barrel. It will be interesting to see if the wine is going through a phase of awkwardness or if it is destined to remain somewhat rough around the edges. The blend is 74 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 % Merlot and 4 % Cabernet Franc.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Clos du Marquis is quite pretty and expressive. Blue and purplish-hued fruit, sweet spices and mint all open up nicely in the glass. The 2014 is not a huge wine, rather it is distinguished by its energy, precision and overall nuance. Scents of violet, lavender, mint and sweet spices add complexity on the gracious, inviting finish. This is a lovely effort and a fabulous example of the vintage. The more feminine side of St. Julien comes through in spades. The blend is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2014 Clos du Marquis has an attractive, perfumed bouquet with ample red berry fruit intermixed with wild heather, cedar and light brine aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well judged acidity, very cohesive and demonstrating real structure and sophistication towards the finish. This is a sublime Clos du Marquis that should give 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.