Clos du Marquis 2000

Tasted at Roberson’s Las-Cases vertical. The 2000 displays good intensity on the nose: blackcurrant, pomegranate, a touch of raspberry and vanilla. At present, this is more generous than the 2005, although not quite the same definition and breeding. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, graphite and a touch of tar interlacing the dark fruits. I prefer the finish on the 2005 to the 2000. This is very masculine and punchy at the moment, although doubtless it will mellow with another 3-4 years ageing. Tasted February 2011.

One of the great sleepers of the vintage and probably the best Clos de Marquis I have ever tasted, this wine could easily compete with many of the vintage's classified growths. Dense, opaque purple-colored, with creme de cassis, vanilla, and cherry notes, medium to full body, an unctuous texture, low acidity, and a more evolved style than its bigger sibling, Leoville Las Cases, this dense, chewy, remarkably concentrated and stylish wine