2010 Clos du Marquis (St-Julien)

Robert Parker:

Now essentially treated as a separate estate by Jean-Hubert Delon, and not as a second wine of Leoville Las Cases (whose second wine is now the newly introduced Le Petit Lion), Clos du Marquis has been a shrewd consumer’s purchase for almost two decades. Interestingly, the first vintage of Clos du Marquis was introduced in 1902! The 2010, which is an exceptional wine, was produced from the same parcel that always goes into this wine. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, it is a relatively big wine at 13.6% natural alcohol, with loads of black cherries, black currants and crushed rocks in a medium to full-bodied format. Layered, intense, high-class and complex, this wine should drink nicely for 15 or more years. 91-93 points

Neal Martin:

Cropped at just 36.7hl/ha, the Clos du Marquis is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc raised in 37% new oak, offering 13.6% alcohol with a pH of 3.63. The nose is driven by the cedar-infused Cabernet, one of the most closed noses that I have encountered during primeur. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, saturated tannins, a little fleshier that I was expecting given the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, but very harmonious on the finish that belies the structure underneath. Drink 2016- Tasted March 2011. 92-94 points

Ian D`Agata:

Bright, deep red. Subtle aromas of red berries, cherry, flowers and minerals. A ripe, sweet midweight with good tension to its supple red fruit, licorice and fresh herb flavors. Finishes with moderate length and a refined quality; currently a little subdued, and although the tannins are smooth, I get a hint of green at the back. 86-89 points