| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Like next-door neighbour Latour, Léoville Las Cases produces a wine that people think of as a second wine, but isn't. Clos du Marquis is a wine of classed growth quality in its own right, produced from a vineyard on the other side of the road near to the vines of Leoville Poyferré. Las Cases itself is situated in a walled vineyard alongside Latour overlooking the estuary. Clos du Marquis is the equal of most 3rd, 4th and 5th growths and has been an outstanding performer for many years.
In 2023, only 28.8 hectares out of the 44 in total are in production. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc from a yield of 44 hl/ha. 13.5% alcohol. Ageing in 50% new oak. The second label "La Petite Marquise" is no longer produced so the "Petit Lion" label is now used for the less good fruit from both Lascases and Clos du Marquis.
The 2023 Clos du Marquis is a rather serious, structured wine, evocative of cherries, dark berries and kirsch, framed by a touch of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied and fleshy but structured, it's a taut, concentrated wine that will reward some patience.
The 2023 Clos du Marquis was picked from September 6 to October 5 at 44hL/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has a complex bouquet, comprising a mélange of red and black fruit, cedar and subtle touches of violet—very charming. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip. It’s a little creamy in texture on the entry, but there is solid backbone and a saline finish. This is very promising.
Deep ruby, with a spicy, peppery nose with briary fruit that is dark, ripe and focused. The palate is lined with pure cassis, cut by direct, piercing acids that give this real energy. Tangy and chiselled thanks to ripe tannins that cling to the edges of the fruit, keeping the core focused and vertical, this is an impressive effort for the vintage.
This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023?
Squid ink, cassis, bilberry, roses, love the intensity and gorgeous salinity of this wine. Captures the sense of energy and florality in the best Cabernets of 2023, although retains the austerity that you expect from this site in its early years. First vintage in the new cellars, moving from 40 vats to 80 vats, with 30 microvinification vats. Harvest September 6 to October 5, 50% new oak for ageing, 44hl/h yields.
The 2023 Clos du Marquis might very well be the best Clos du Marquis I have ever tasted. A wine of freshness and verve, the 2023 is all nuance. Sweet red plum, blood orange, spice, flowers, mint and white pepper are all finely cut. The 2023 shows more vibrancy, less oak extraction and more refined tannins than in the past. It’s a glorious wine in every way. This early tasting is hugely promising. Clos du Marquis could turn out to be one of the real surprises of 2023. 2028-2043
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Clean and precise with more acidity and freshness than 2022. Attractive berry fruit with a hint of vanilla oak. Round on attack then focuses and drives. Fine but present tannins. (JL) 13.5%
Drink 2029 – 2038
