Clos du Marquis 2005

The Clos du Marquis 2005 is evolving into a little beauty. It has an opulent, downright sexy bouquet with macerated dark cherries, briary, mint interlaced with candied orange peel that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with sturdy tannin cloaked in spicy red fruit, hints of red peppercorns and graphite infusing the finish that fans out gloriously. Yet everything remains tightly controlled thanks to the tight rein on acidity. Cannot afford Léoville Las-Cases? Then you know where to come. Drink 2017 - 2035

The superb second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, reflects the utter brilliance of the 2005 grand vin. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of lead pencil, ripe cherries and black currants, and hints of earth and vanillin. Dense, chewy, fleshy, and full-bodied, this beauty will be drinkable in 3-4 years, and should keep for 15-20

As usual, this estate’s second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, is top-flight. Possessing more alcohol than the grand vin (13.45%), it offers gorgeous purity, plenty of red and black fruits, and a style similar to its more famous sibling. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.

This is very solid, with currants, minerals and berries on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of licorice and cassis. Tight. Always excellent in top vintages.

Light to mid crimson. Light, rather attractive sandpaper nose. Mellow already. Correct rather than sumptuous. Just a bit introvert and dry on the finish. The acidity is a bit marked. 13%
Drink 2017-2027

Very bright crimson. Energetic bright fruit with lovely suppleness and almost electric impact. Sweet start and lots of chew but still great vibrancy. Very nice wine on its own account - no suggestion of sweeping up the leftovers (this is the second wine of Léoville Las Cases). Silky and winning yet very compact and dense. Lots of tannin but not a heavyweight. Drink 2016-26

Good full red-ruby. Superripe aromas of plum, mocha, coffee and spicy oak. Big, dry, broad and rich, with a chewy quality and noteworthy sweetness to the plummy flavor. This has more baby fat than the young 2006 but not quite as much detail or verve. Finishes quite broad, with major ripe tannins and lingering sweet fruit.