critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored. Slowly unfurls to reveal notes of juicy blackberries and raspberries, leading to an undercurrent of black currants, violets, and menthol with a touch of bay leaves and wet slate. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers racy red berry flavors and great tension, framed by approachable, grainy tannins, finishing chalky.
The 2024 Clos du Marquis was cropped at 32 hl/ha between September and 25 October 10. It matured in 50% new oak barrels for 16 months. This has an expressive bouquet with blackberry, blueberry and light violet scents that lend it Margaux-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with a citric entry thanks to the acidity, edgy tannins and more black fruit laced with cedar and graphite toward the finish. Give this three or four years in bottle. This is slightly leaner, but it maintains focus.
Bright vivid plum character, sappy and juicy, the austerity is pretty high with cloves and smoky black tea, elderflower, cherry pit. Needs time in bottle to really open up, but this is good quality, and has plenty of St Julien character. 32hl/ha yield. 50% new oak, with some larger oak casks. 3.62 pH, 32 hl/ha. 7.6% press wine. Harvest 25 September to 10 October.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.9% alcohol, the 2024 Clos du Marquis unwinds in the glass with notes of cassis, iris and pencil shavings, followed by a medium-bodied, taut and incisive palate with good depth and persistence. It's a serious wine, but it will require patience.