The wine is pure with lots of creme de cassis, crushed rock and vanillin characteristics in its long, medium to full-bodied personality. Given the fact that this vineyard was once part of the larger Leoville Las Cases estate, it is no surprise that it is similar to its more famous as well as more expensive cousin. A strong effort in this vintage, it should drink well for 15-20 years. A brilliant effort from Jean-Hubert Delon, Clos du Marquis is now an entirely separate estate from Leoville Las Cases and its second wine, Le Petit Lion. The outstanding 2012 Clos du Marquis is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc and came in at 13.5% natural alcohol. About 50% new oak is used.

This is very tannic and powerful with a full body and intense backbone. Chewy finish. Not up to the Leoville Las Cases level though.

The Clos du Marquis is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc cropped at 33hl/ha and matured in 40% new oak. It has a tobacco-scented bouquet of blackberry and a touch of blueberry fruit. It is tightly coiled compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is good density of fruit here with plenty of blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, although it is presently rigid and conservative towards the finish. Fine. Tasted April 2013.

[92CS/6M/2CF] Ripe blackcurrant fruit to smell, almost cassisy; rich and elegant with a fresh acidity and very fine textured firm tannins; long and close grained and cassis sweet taste, rich and ripe and mineral, surprisingly ‘fleshy’ given the 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and with excellent sweet cored mineral length. Poise, density, complexity, a Clos du Marquis with great class – one of the best ever? It is the first time Clos du Marquis has a varietal mix like this, which takes it into a league much closer that of Las Cases itself. A great success. 2020-30+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2013]

Light but lively, with damson plum and cherry fruit, showing a lightly briary edge on the finish. —J.M.

Immediately on the nose the terroir comes through; gravel and minerality, with quite pure, crushed raspberry fruit. The palate is a little hollow in the middle, likely a result of the tough vintage conditions. Will it fall into line? Is there enough fruit? Only time will tell. A decent effort.

Drink 2025-2038 Dark purple. Sweet start. Friendly and very very Cabernet – lots of cassis. A Las Cases attempt at openness! Which is still very taut!