Clos du Marquis 2004

An elegant St Julien with fresh fruits (cherries and blackberries). The mid-palate gives very persistent wood spice, rounded with dark fruits and supported by gourmet tannins. Some complexities from the blend of four grapes: 57% Cabernet, 28% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Parker awarded 91 and almost gave a 92-94 range in another tasting, as it is just slightly overdone on the nose: blackberry, leather with a touch of cloves, but still complex and engaging. JR awarded it 17/20 and says it is correct in many aspects and notably dense with the 2004 trademark acidity—some velvet texture. Jancis Robinson awarded it 17/20, stating that it is correct in many aspects and notably dense with the trademark 2004 acidity and some velvet texture. We would award it DD94. The consensus on the palate is that it is medium-bodied, clean, and has good fruit extraction. It also possesses good acidity that cuts through the bright blackcurrant and cassis flavors, leading to an elegant finish.

However, we have identified some weaknesses in our 2004 assessment. The fruit was picked very late, which resulted in a slight lack of freshness. Additionally, the palate consistently exhibits rigidity.

Nevertheless, Clos du Marquis is much more than just the second wine of its more famous sibling, Château Léoville Las Cases. Its fruit comes from the vineyards of Petit Clos and the parcels outside the Grand Enclos (the source of the Grand Vin Léoville Las Cases) and has established itself among the best wines of the Médoc. It benefits from the same cultivation and vinification methods as the Grand Vin. Unlike most second wines, Clos du Marquis is made to be aged for years and offers a superb balance between elegance and grace.was picked very late, resulting in a slight lack of freshness. However, this is not for those who fancy bigger wines. Another weakness is the consistent rigidity of the palate.

Moreover, Clos du Marquis is much more than the second wine of its elder brother, Château Léoville Las Cases. Its fruit is from the vineyards of Petit Clos and the parcels outside the Grand Enclos (at the origin of the Grand Vin Léoville Las Cas) and has established itself among the best wines of the Médoc. Benefiting from the same methods of cultivation and vinification as the Grand Vin. Unlike most second wines, Clos du Marquis is made to be kept for years and offers a superb balance between elegance and grace.