Clos du Marquis

Le Clos du Marquis: An Exceptional Cru in Saint-Julien

Clos du Marquis, long considered the second wine of the prestigious Château Léoville Las Cases, now stands as an independent cru of great renown. This exceptional wine, owned by the Delon family, is the result of a unique terroir in the heart of the Saint-Julien Appellation, surrounded by the most prestigious crus of the region, such as Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, and Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

The Origin and History of Clos du Marquis

The beginnings as the second wine of Léoville Las Cases
Clos du Marquis has its roots in the prestigious history of Château Léoville Las Cases. Initially, it was produced as the second wine of this estate, a refined complement to the main crus. Its name, "Clos du Marquis," evokes the enclosure of the Marquis de Las Cases, a specific plot that historically was part of the former estate.

The emancipation: From second wine to independent cru
Over the decades, the quality of Clos du Marquis allowed the wine to distinguish itself as an entity in its own right. This evolution is not only due to the growing demand from fine wine enthusiasts but also to the Delon family's desire to highlight the unique character of this wine. Today, it is no longer seen as a second wine but as a cru with its own identity.

The Delon family and the management of the estate
Owners of Clos du Marquis, the Delon family is also known for their meticulous management of Château Léoville Las Cases. Their expertise and commitment to viticulture are reflected in a meticulous approach to producing wines that perfectly express the terroir of Saint-Julien. Under their direction, Clos du Marquis continues to gain prestige, with a particular focus on quality at every stage of production.

The Terroir of Saint-Julien: A Unique Setting

A prestigious appellation
Saint-Julien, one of the smallest yet most renowned appellations in the Médoc, is famous for the exceptional quality of its wines. The gravel-sandy soils, the proximity to the Gironde estuary, and the temperate climate create ideal conditions for viticulture, offering a unique terroir that imparts unmatched structure and complexity to the wines.

Plots surrounded by great crus
Clos du Marquis is located in the immediate vicinity of some of the greatest crus of Saint-Julien and Pauillac, such as Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, and Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. This privileged geographical location allows Clos du Marquis to benefit from the same pedoclimatic conditions, contributing to the finesse and elegance of its wines.

Influence of the terroirs of Saint-Julien and Pauillac
Although Clos du Marquis comes from the lands of Saint-Julien, it also benefits from the influence of the terroirs of Pauillac, a neighboring appellation known for the power of its wines. This dual influence gives Clos du Marquis an aromatic complexity and a structure that subtly combines the elegance of Saint-Julien with the robustness of Pauillac.

The Bordeaux Grape Varieties of Clos du Marquis

Cabernet Sauvignon: The backbone of the wine
Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety in Clos du Marquis, is known for its ability to produce wines with great aging potential and intense aromas. It brings a solid tannic structure to the wine, with notes of dark fruits and depth that unfolds over years of aging.

Merlot: Bringing roundness and fruitiness
Merlot, the second most present grape variety in the blend of Clos du Marquis, helps to soften the wine by adding roundness and fruity notes. It balances the power of Cabernet Sauvignon with touches of plum and cherry, as well as a silky texture that makes the wine accessible even in its youth.

Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot: Complexity and structure
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though present in smaller proportions, play a crucial role in the making of Clos du Marquis. Cabernet Franc adds spicy and herbal notes, while Petit Verdot contributes color, structure, and floral aromas. Together, these grape varieties complete the blend by adding additional layers of complexity to the wine.

The Vintages of Clos du Marquis

Selection of the best vintages
Clos du Marquis is known for the consistency and quality of its vintages, even in years considered challenging for other estates. Among the most emblematic vintages are 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, and more recently 2016 and 2018, which have stood out for their finesse and exceptional aging potential.

Aging and its impact on the wine
Clos du Marquis is a wine that improves with time. Its tannic structure and aromatic complexity develop over the years, offering rich and varied tasting experiences depending on the wine's age. The best vintages can be stored for several decades, reaching their peak between 10 and 20 years after the harvest.

Tasting Clos du Marquis

Tasting notes: Structure and complexity
Upon tasting, Clos du Marquis stands out with a direct attack and a pronounced tannic structure. The aromas of dark fruits, such as blackcurrant and blackberry, blend with notes of tobacco, cedar, and spices, offering a rich and complex aromatic palette.

Organoleptic characteristics: Harmony and distinction
On the palate, Clos du Marquis is a harmonious wine, where the balance between acidity, tannins, and alcohol is perfectly mastered. Its length on the palate is remarkable, leaving an impression of finesse and distinction that characterizes the great wines of Saint-Julien.

Aging potential
Clos du Marquis is a wine designed to age. Thanks to its structure and balance, it can be stored for several decades, with aging potential that varies according to the vintages. Wine lovers will appreciate how Clos du Marquis evolves, developing tertiary aromas and additional complexity with age.

Comparison with Other Wines of Saint-Julien

Differences with Léoville Las Cases and other second wines
Clos du Marquis distinguishes itself from other wines of Saint-Julien by its unique positioning. Although it shares similarities with Léoville Las Cases due to their common origin, it offers a different expression of the Saint-Julien terroir, more accessible in its youth, yet still capable of aging gracefully.

The positioning of Clos du Marquis in the fine wine market
Clos du Marquis occupies a prime position among the great wines of Saint-Julien. It is often considered an excellent value for money, offering quality comparable to that of the region's second classified growths, but at a more affordable price. This makes it a popular choice among fine wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Clos du Marquis and the International Market

The global reputation of Clos du Marquis
Clos du Marquis enjoys an international reputation as a high-quality wine, appreciated by fine wine enthusiasts worldwide. Its fame has been reinforced by the praise of experts and sommeliers, who regularly commend the consistency of its quality and the richness of its aromas.

Export and distribution
Clos du Marquis is widely exported, with a notable presence in European, American, and Asian markets. Its international success reflects its ability to appeal to a diverse clientele, from novices to connoisseurs, thanks to its perfect balance between complexity and drinkability.

Food and Wine Pairings with Clos du Marquis

Recommended dishes: Red meats, game, cheeses
Clos du Marquis pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes, particularly those based on red meats such as beef, lamb, or duck. Game, such as venison or wild boar, also pairs well with the wine's tannic structure. For cheese lovers, hard varieties like Comté or Parmesan are excellent choices.

Tips to enhance the tasting experience
To fully enjoy the aromas and structure of Clos du Marquis, it is recommended to decant it about an hour before tasting. This decanting time allows the wine to aerate and release its full complexity. Additionally, it is advised to serve it at a temperature of 16 to 18°C to reveal all its aromatic nuances.

Environmental Impact and Viticulture

Sustainable viticultural practices at Clos du Marquis
The Delon family places great importance on sustainability and environmental preservation in the management of Clos du Marquis. The estate's viticultural practices include reduced use of phytosanitary products, soil work to promote biodiversity, and careful water management.

The Delon family's commitment to the environment
Beyond sustainable viticulture, the Delon family is actively engaged in initiatives to reduce the estate's carbon footprint. This includes investments in more eco-friendly technologies and responsible resource management, ensuring that Clos du Marquis remains a quality wine while respecting the environment.

Testimonials and Expert Opinions on Clos du Marquis

What critics and sommeliers say
Clos du Marquis is regularly praised by critics and sommeliers for its balance and complexity. Robert Parker, for example, has often praised this wine's ability to rival some of the greatest classified growths while maintaining a distinct and accessible personality.

Clos du Marquis as seen by wine lovers
Wine enthusiasts appreciate Clos du Marquis for its consistency in quality and its ability to offer a rich tasting experience, whether for immediate consumption or after several years of aging. Consumer reviews often highlight the excellent value for money of this wine compared to other great Bordeaux wines.

The Future of Clos du Marquis

Innovations in viticulture
The estate continues to innovate in its viticultural practices to further enhance the quality of Clos du Marquis. This includes adopting new winemaking techniques, rigorous parcel selection, and integrating modern technologies for more precise and environmentally friendly production.

The Delon family's plans for the estate
The Delon family plans to continue the continuous improvement of Clos du Marquis by focusing on quality and sustainability. Future projects may include vineyard expansion, infrastructure improvements at the estate, and promoting Clos du Marquis in new international markets.

Conclusion

Clos du Marquis perfectly embodies the excellence of the Saint-Julien appellation. With its rich history, unique terroir, and carefully selected grape varieties, it offers an unparalleled tasting experience. Whether you are a fine wine enthusiast or an experienced connoisseur, Clos du Marquis deserves a prominent place in your cellar, to be enjoyed now or after several years of aging.

FAQ about Clos du Marquis

What distinguishes Clos du Marquis from other wines of Saint-Julien? Clos du Marquis stands out for its ability to combine the finesse and elegance of Saint-Julien with a solid tannic structure while being more accessible than some other great wines of the region.

When is the best time to enjoy Clos du Marquis? Clos du Marquis can be enjoyed young to appreciate its fruity aromas and structure, or after 10 to 20 years of aging to discover its full complexity.

How should Clos du Marquis be stored for optimal aging? It is recommended to store Clos du Marquis in a cool, dark, and stable environment, ideally between 12 and 14°C, with moderate humidity.

What is the average price of Clos du Marquis? The price varies depending on the vintage and place of purchase but generally ranges between 50 and 100 euros per bottle.

How does Clos du Marquis compare to other wines from the region? Clos du Marquis offers excellent value for money, comparable to second growths, but with a unique personality that reflects the distinctive terroir of Saint-Julien.

Where can I reliably purchase Clos du Marquis? It is recommended to purchase Clos du Marquis from specialized wine merchants, reputable online stores, or through wine auctions for older vintages.