Clos du Marquis 2008

St Julien, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

A pretty wine and a classic Bordeaux, this 2008 has attractive notes of minerals intermixed with fruitcake and sweet currant fruit. Medium-bodied and pure, with a dense ruby/purple color, it should drink nicely for 10 years at the very minimum.

Score: 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2011-2021 03 May 2011

For many years, Las Cases’ second wine has been the equivalent of a classified growth in the Medoc. The 2008 Clos du Marquis may be one of the two or three finest second wines I have tasted from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that came in at 13.5% natural alcohol, it is a pure, deep, full-bodied effort displaying classic aromas of creme de cassis, licorice, and crushed rocks. On the palate, there is a sensational black fruit character, no hard edges, and a seamless integration of all the component parts. This wine should drink beautifully for 15 or more years.

Score: 90 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009 - 2024 30 April 2009

Ch Léoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis 2008 St-Julien Second wine. Dense purplish crimson. Heady nose and very succulent fruit sort of hangs in the atmosphere in the most admirable way. Really pretty exciting! Lots of effort has clearly gone into this wine; it’s not just a slop bucket. Not too hot, nor (just) too tannic. Lots of breed and family style. Opulent. Jean-Hubert Delon describes this, like the 2007, as very Pauillac. Very fragrant.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2016-28 01 April 2009

A layered and minerally wine, with currants and berries. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Lacks a little in the midpalate. —J.S.

Score: 88 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2009

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with 7.5% pressed wine, this has one of the few “voluptuous” noses of the vintage, quite lush with violets, cassis and black plum soaring from the glass: this is a bouquet that embraces you - very sensuous. Very smooth on the entry, this Clos du Marquis is blessed with silky tannins that really caress that palate. Black cherries and blueberries with cassis coming through on the back palate, the Merlot driving it through to the fleshy finish with surprisingly good weight. Top class.

Score: 90 - 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2009