Clos du Marquis 2018

The 2018 Clos du Marquis is composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, with 13% press wine added back to the blend. The wine has 14.5% alcohol and was aged in 55% new barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it strolls confidently out of the glass with notes of warm cassis, ripe black plums and boysenberries, with hints of underbrush, cedar chest, graphite and black olives, plus a touch of baking spices. The medium- to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy blackberry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long with an invigorating burst.

Pure and expressive, with beautiful aromas of violet, warm cassis and fresh cherries leading into a mix of plum sauce and blackberry preserve flavors carried by a well-imbedded graphite spine. Subtle kiss of sweet bay at the very end. Lovely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2038. 3,750 cases made.

More sombre than the Petite Marquise, as you would expect. More of a Las Cases feel, with the tannic heft of the vintage apparent, although as it opens this has an elegance and a drawn-out journey through the palate, with a good wall of fine tannins. Excellent quality and a vintage that feels a little more accessible at this stage than in some years. 55% new oak. A yield of 35.5hl/ha. pH 3.64.

Dark fruit and blueberries on the nose with rosemary, tobacco and incense undertones. Very St.-Julien and classic in style and character. It’s full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. The palate is savory and balanced, leading to a long, flavorful finish. Very beautiful, refined fruit character here with focus and polish. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 6% cabernet franc. Try after 2025.

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. 55% new oak, pH 3.64. Barrel sample. Deep purple core and bright purple rim. Deep, dark and charry. A combination of ripe, intense cassis and a rocky, more savoury character adding complexity, yet it’s scented too. Tannins are incredibly fine, multi-layered, dry yet supple. And great freshness. A very good second wine. (JH)

The 2018 Clos du Marquis is consistent with my tasting note from barrel. It has a perfumed, camphor-tinged bouquet featuring plenty of brambly red fruit, and maybe just a hint of dark chocolate loitering in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite saline in the mouth with fine depth. It is not the most complex Clos du Marquis that I have tasted, but I appreciate the persistent black pepper aftertaste, which is quite Pauillac in style. Very fine.

The smoky nose gets even better with all that ripe crème de cassis, blackberry, forest floor, cigar box and sweet cherry in the perfume. Lush, round and loaded with sweet, ripe, juicy red fruits, the wine delivers length, freshness and vibrancy, along with supple tannins on the finish. With bottle age, this could get even better. The wine was made from blending 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% ABV.

Kunz barrel sample 19: (64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 35.5 hl/ha, 14.5% vol. alcohol) Fresh, powerful, peppery bouquet with cassis, menthol, cherries, cedar, tobacco, fine herbs. Classic, elegant palate with good fruit, fine tannins, intense aromatics, a finely muscular structure, and a long, bitter finish. Has room to improve.

(64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 35.5 hl/ha, 14.5% vol. alcohol) Fresh, powerful, peppery bouquet; cassis, menthol, cherries, cedar, tobacco, fine herbs. Classic, elegant palate with good fruit, fine tannins, strong aromatics, finely muscular structure, long, bitter finish. Still has room to improve. 17/20 2025 - 2042

Clos du Marquis 2018 has a deep garnet-purple color. It opens with open-knit notes of blackcurrants, plums, and blueberries, plus hints of tree bark, pencil lead, and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers a good core of pure black fruits and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and refreshing.

The 2018 is clearly very structured and exuberant. A bottle destined for a long life that needs time.

Clos du Marquis 2018 is aged in 55% new barrels. Harvest took place between September 18 and October 10. Yield of 35.5 hl/ha. Precise, elegant bouquet, marked by notes of black berries. On the palate, the wine is dense and creamy. It has energy, fruit, and tight yet very fine tannins. A great wine that combines charm and power.

Logo on the cork: inverted T (Trescases) Dark color, intense, beautiful and vibrant. Very aromatic nose, with ripe, pure, and suave fruit. Juicy right from the attack, very perfumed mid-palate, with a melting texture and plenty of flavor; the wine unfolds without austerity, caressing the palate, consistently juicy and even noble. It’s very good.