Clos du Marquis 2017, Château Léoville Las Cases, Saint-Julien - Parker 93

Winemaker and vineyard : Clos du Marquis, created in 1902, originates from the Petit Clos adjacent to Château de Léoville, home of the Marquis de Las Cases. Clos du Marquis comes from the great terroirs of the Saint-Julien Appellation that were not systematically part of the cadastre of the old Léoville Estate. These terroirs are located slightly further to the west and are surrounded by prestigious Crus Classés, notably Second Crus from the Saint-Julien and Pauillac appellations: Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande... Clos du Marquis perfectly expresses the typicity of Saint-Julien: structure, complexity, harmony, distinction, and aging potential.

Tasting : Since 2007, Clos du Marquis has come from a completely different vineyard in Saint-Julien than Leoville Las Cases, so it is not a second wine. And there was only a small amount of frost on the western edge of this vineyard in 2017. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Clos du Marquis is medium to deep garnet-purple in color and struts confidently out of the glass with vibrant notes of crushed blackcurrants, warm blackberries and fresh black and red plums with touches of cigar box and bouquet garni. Medium-bodied, the palate is chock-full of zingy black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with a skip in its step.

Serving : Serve at room temperature (16°-18°C) with a beef fillet with duck foie gras.