Clos du Marquis 2018, Saint Julien, Château Léoville Las Cases - Parker 93

Winemaker and vineyard: The Clos du Marquis, created in 1902, originates from the Petit Clos adjoining the Château de Léoville, home of the Marquis de Las Cases. The Clos du Marquis comes from the great terroirs of the Saint-Julien Appellation which were not systematically part of the cadastre of the former Domaine de Léoville. These terroirs are located slightly further west and are surrounded by prestigious Classed Growths, notably Second Growths from the Saint-Julien and Pauillac appellations: Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande... The Clos du Marquis thus perfectly expresses the typicality of Saint-Julien: structure, complexity, harmony, distinction and ageing potential.

Tasting: The 2018 Clos du Marquis is composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, with 13% press wine added back to the blend. The wine has 14.5% alcohol and was aged in 55% new barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it strolls confidently out of the glass with notes of warm cassis, ripe black plums and boysenberries and hints of underbrush, cedar chest, graphite and black olives plus a touch of baking spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy blackberry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long with an invigorating burst. (robertparker.com, 31.03.2021)

Serving: Serve room temperature (16°-18°C) to accompany a duck stew.