Clive Coates MW (Rating 100)
Pierre Lurton. 19.5+/20
The nose is just fabulous; there is evident richness here, in the shape of some smoky botrytis, but what really sets the wine apart is the beautiful, crystal-like clarity it possesses.
This characteristic carries through on the palate, which has a fine, cool purity and freshness, presented in a seemingly paradoxical fashion, as it is intertwined with great richness and a creamy vanilla seam which opens out, broadening across the palate. Wow! An amazing texture, with bright botrytis flavour and high quality candied fruits.
Clos du Marquis is being positioned by Jean-Hubert Delon as a separate single vineyard wine rather than Leoville Las Cases second wine. The logic is simple. It has come from the same vineyard for over twenty years, and is not a true second wine in the sense that it is not made from Las Cases discarded cuvees.
Sweet notes of creme de cassis, great purity.
A full-bodied mouthfeel, and terrific texture as well as length. It should evolve for 20-25 years.