Clos du Marquis 2008

Ripe and refined, with pure, driven plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit and sleek structure. Flickers of charcoal, roasted cedar and tobacco hang in the background. Should age nicely. Drink now through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 14,165 cases made.

Sourced from different vines to Petit Lion, in an entirely different section of the vineyard, this is a little softer in expression, even with just one year difference. The vintage itself had a late budburst after a wet and rainy start, followed by a dry July, wet August and a late harvest. It meant that the Cabernet had a little trouble but the Merlot was good and ripe, because they waited to pick it. This is extremely enjoyable to drink today, with a clear line of sight to the main estate signature. It has dense black cherry and blackberries, a silky texture, and enjoyable balance between menthol freshness and still-firm tannins. 50% new oak.

I love the berry, currants and cassis here, with minerals. Full, very velvety and rich, with beautiful fruit. Long and juicy, with lovely fruit. Give it three to four years of bottle age.

Ripe cassis aroma with a candied quality to the fruit, but then quite a light body with a short finish. Drying texture leaving an austere impression. (RH)

08 Clos du Marquis is 55% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, with a dollop of petit verdot. It sees 25% new oak. On the nose, smoky black fruit and spice. The wine finishes with soft, dark berry flavours. 90-92 Pts

Very dark wine-red with a ruby-purple rim. Deep, aromatic bouquet, black-fruit notes, dried plum skins. On the palate, moderately charming; within its supple texture, pleasantly sweet notes, malty nuances, and an aromatic finish with lovely sweetness. A gallant, very well-made second wine (from Léoville-Las-Cases).

Very dark wine-red with a ruby-purple rim. Aromatic bouquet, black-fruit notes, quite deep, dried plum skins. On the palate, with medium charm, pleasant sweet notes in a soft extract, malt nuances, an aromatic finish with a great, sexy sweetness. A gallant second wine, very well made.

A dense, slightly austere version, lovely length.

Medium ruby red. The nose of this Clos du Marquis shows the first signs of maturity yet also freshness. On the palate, the wine confirms this impression. The tannins are well integrated and the body is slightly creamy. Good aromatic intensity. A wine that has reached its peak and still has plenty in reserve.

Treated now as a separate wine, rather than a second wine, with its own vineyard, Clos du Marquis has developed a dense, concentrated style. It is firm, chewy, the tannins in suspension in the rich fruit. Good aging potential.

A pretty wine and a classic Bordeaux, this 2008 has attractive notes of minerals interwoven with fruitcake and sweet currant fruit. Medium-bodied and pure, with a dense ruby/purple colour, it should drink nicely for at least 10 years.