I am not a great believer in the quality of most second wines, as they tend to be a dumping ground for everything deemed not desirable for the grand vin. However, such second wines as Forts de Latour, Bahans-Haut-Brion, Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux, and Clos du Marquis are serious wines that possess the character of their more complex and concentrated siblings, yet are more supple and accessible. Clos du Marquis is not to be missed in the 1993-95 vintages. This deep ruby/purple-colored wine reveals the sweet, pure cassis fruit of Leoville-Las-Cases, good fatness, medium body, low acidity, and no astringency or harshness in the lush finish. It should drink well for 10-12 years.

Little on nose. This lacks depth and is tart on the palate and comes across rather lean when juxtaposed against the superior Clos du Marquis 1993. Average. Tasted July 2002.