Clos du Marquis 2016

From the considerable talents of the Léoville Las Cases team, the 2016 Clos du Marquis is made from 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. This full-bodied, concentrated, incredibly elegant Saint Julien has the purity and balance that’s the hallmark of the vintage as well as loads of underlying structure and depth. Great notes of ripe black cherries, blackcurrants, spring flowers, and graphite all emerge from this beauty, which is going to be one for the ages. It will need 8-10 years of cellaring and keep for three decades.

This has a very suave, fresh and upbeat feel overall, with freshly baked berry pastry and ripe raspberry, boysenberry and red-plum aromas in abundance. The palate has a superb array of rich, fresh and deeply fruited tannins that roll smoothly into the elegant, focused and perfectly balanced finish. Try from 2023.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Clos du Marquis has a very deep garnet-purple color and is a little broody to begin, giving way to notes of crushed blackcurrants and black cherries with touches of warm plums, pencil shavings, earth and new leather with a waft of yeast extract. Medium-bodied with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins, it has bold fruit matched by freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

This has a plush edge of warm tar and ganache that slowly melds into the core of steeped plum and cassis flavors as they move through, picking up smoldering charcoal and graphite notes along the way. A very grounded wine that will age nicely. Best from 2023 through 2038.

This wine is dense with dark tannins as well as the elegance associated with the appellation. It comes from a vineyard that has been separated out from the Léoville las Cases estate. Packed with tannins as well as blueberry and blackberry fruits, the wine will develop well over several years. Drink from 2023.

From 18-55-year-old vines just outside the walled clos of Léoville. This is rich, with great depth and weight, showing lovely St-Julien balance and elegance in its pencil-lead and savoury cassis flavours. It's very well judged and extremely accomplished, displaying a touch of austerity on the finish. Very good quality.