Clos du Marquis is being positioned by Jean-Hubert Delon as a separate single vineyard wine rather than Leoville Las Cases’ second wine. The logic is simple. It has come from the same vineyard for over twenty years, and is not a true second wine in the sense that it is not made from Las Cases’ discarded cuvees. The 2009 Clos du Marquis (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) came in at 13.75% alcohol. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue along with sweet notes of creme de cassis, great purity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and terrific texture as well as length. It should evolve for 20-25 years. (Tasted once.) 91-93 points Robert Parkers Wine Advocate # 188 (Apr 2010).
Raspberry and wild currant on the nose. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long, pretty finish. Plenty of currant and mineral character. Builds on the finish. Tannic. 89-92 points, James Suckling for The Wine Spectator, Online March 25, 2010.
(a blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20 % merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; pH 3.7; IPT 62; 13.7% alcohol; 25% new oak) Dark ruby. Pure strawberry and blackcurrant aromas soar from the glass. Enters fairly large and soft, with a pretty violet note lifting the ripe blackcurrant, spicy plum and chocolate flavors. Even though there's a good bit of merlot here, the high quality of the cabernet sauvignon in '09 gives this plenty of Saint-Julien typicity. "This time around, I do think that the merlot has added much-needed charm," conceded Delon. 89-92 Points, Ian D'Agata for Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Cellar (May 2010) | 
