The 2014 Château Clos du Marquis, from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, is a rich and powerful wine with a distinctive savory and earthy profile. It boasts a medium ruby-red color with dark pigmentation, offering a perfumed bouquet of red berry fruit, wild heather, cedar, and light brine aromas. On the palate, it is ripe, medium to full-bodied, and silky, with notes of chocolate, sweet tobacco, herbs, anise, and leather, complemented by blue and black fruits. The wine is expressive yet restrained, with a layer of tannins that provide structure without overwhelming alcohol.
Food Pairings
The 2014 Clos du Marquis pairs well with robust, savory dishes that complement its earthy and fruity profile. Ideal pairings include:
- Red meats: Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or venison.
- Game dishes: Pheasant or duck, which match its savory notes.
- Rich, earthy dishes: Mushroom risotto or truffle-infused recipes.
- Cheeses: Aged cheeses like Comté or Cheddar to enhance its complexity.
- Tartiflette: A French Alps dish with potatoes, onions, and smoked bacon, which aligns with its hearty style.
Critic Reviews
- Vinous (Antonio Galloni): “The 2014 Clos du Marquis is quite pretty and expressive. Blue and black fruit, spice, and leather are nicely delineated.” Notes its attractive, perfumed bouquet with red berry, heather, cedar, and brine aromas.
- Wine-Searcher: Expert tasting note describes it as “medium ruby-red in color, but quite darkly pigmented. Aromas are restrained & introspective, showing red-fruit & coffee.” Highlights its introspective yet expressive character.
- Wine Enthusiast: Notes the improved quality of Saint-Julien reds over the past two decades, with the 2014 Clos du Marquis being fruity, balanced, and tannic without excessive alcohol.
- General Consensus: Critics praise its silky texture, ripe fruit, and aging potential, with scores typically in the 90-93 range, reflecting its high quality as a second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases.
Drink Window
The 2014 Clos du Marquis is structured for aging, with its tannic backbone and ripe fruit suggesting a drinking window from 2018 to 2030. It is likely at its peak or approaching it now (2025) but can continue to develop complexity through the late 2020s.
Clarification
Note that Château Clos du Marquis is the second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases, not a standalone estate, and is crafted to reflect the Saint-Julien terroir with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon but blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
