Clos du Marquis 2012

Dense and deeply colour, this wine is structured(good acidities, fine tannins, medium-bodied from 13.5% ABV) and well fruited(ripe blackcurrants and plums). 60% used oak. There are tones of cigar box, autumn leaves, tobacco and graphite. Perhaps it does not give excitement and surprises but is four square and with strong character. The 92% Cabernet Sauvignon gives certain rigidity, with a mere 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc on the conditioning. This is a solid effort from Jean-Hubert Delon's Clos du Marquis, the sister Saint-Julien property to Léoville-Las-Cases. Not bad as a second wine. Lots of mileage. Still enjoyable.

Scores are good.

RP93.

The wine is pure with lots of creme de cassis, crushed rock and vanillin characteristics in its long, medium, to full-bodied personality. Given that this vineyard was once part of the more significant Leoville Las Cases estate, it is no surprise that it is similar to its more famous and more expensive cousin. A strong effort in this vintage, it should drink well for 15-20 years.

92-94 points Wine Enthusiast

*** Cellar Selection *** Firm and tannic, this dark berry-flavoured wine comes from a specific parcel in the Léoville las Cases vineyard. It's full of tannins and structure, firm and concentrated. In the end, both tannins and tight black currants promise to age. Drink from 2020. (RV) (5/2015)