Clos du Marquis 2014

Pure and vibrant, with a lovely stream of plum, cassis and blackberry confiture notes, laced with licorice snap and violet hints. A sleek graphite detail harnesses the finish. Wins on purity in the end. Best from 2019 through 2028. 10,000 cases made.

Fresh on the nose and quite light on the start of the palate it does fill out in the middle richer and sweeter but the freshness is there at the back the finish quite light. 2025-36

Sourced from a slightly cooler site than its stablemate, Léoville-Las-Cases, this is just below it in quality in 2014. Muscular and sinewy, with sweet, smoky oak, a mineral core, plenty of fruit and the concentration to age. Essence of Saint Julien in a very good year for the commune.

The 2014 Clos du Marquis, a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, has kept that soupçon of opulence that I observed when this was in barrel; it has layers of blackberry, raspberry coulis, incense and iris emerging from the glass whilst maintaining superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry. Graphite-infused red and black fruit on the front palate whilst the back is adorned with just a hint of blue fruit that lends this a more feminine allure. There is lovely balance here, fresh and focused with a touch of graphite borrowed from over the border in Pauillac. This is an excellent Clos du Marquis that will give 20 years of pleasure. Drink Date 2019-2039

The Clos du Marquis 2014 is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc cropped at 33 hectoliter per hectare and matured in 50% new wood. Picked between 30 September and 13 October, it has a ripe, quite opulent bouquet with layers of blackberry, dark plum and incense, a touch of pencil lead with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little pinched at the moment but it will “relax”. The alcohol level is one of the highest ever at 13.85% and yet it it counterbalanced by its freshness. In fact, the finish is quite classic in style and provides a pleasant juxtaposition with the more generous aromatics – it will be interesting to see how they develop during their élevage. Drink: 2018 - 2035

The purity of fruit to this young wine is impressive with currants, raspberries and black cherries. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Very serious. Structured. Fine.

Discreet nose. A bit austere, as though the less ripe fruit went into here. Very sinewy and lacks flesh. Drink 2022-2035