Clos du Marquis - Castle Léoville Las Cases - Saint-Julien 2005

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe2/28/2015

The Clos du Marquis 2005 is evolving into a little beauty. It has an opulent, downright sexy bouquet with macerated dark cherries, briary, mint interlaced with candied orange peel that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with sturdy tannin cloaked in spicy red fruit, hints of red peppercorns and graphite infusing the finish that fans out gloriously. Yet everything remains tightly controlled thanks to the tight rein on acidity. Cannot afford Léoville Las-Cases? Then you know where to come.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe2/9/2015

Light to mid crimson. Light, rather attractive sandpaper nose. Mellow already. Correct rather than sumptuous. Just a bit introvert and dry on the finish. The acidity is a bit marked. 

La Revue du Vin de France

17 / 20

the10/20/2014

Un Saint Julien très séduisant, avec une bouche voluptueuse et bien mûre. Il est tenu par une belle trame tannique. Plus de classe que bien des crus classés.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

90 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe6/30/2009

Good full red-ruby. Superripe aromas of plum, mocha, coffee and spicy oak. Big, dry, broad and rich, with a chewy quality and noteworthy sweetness to the plummy flavor. This has more baby fat than the young 2006 but not quite as much detail or verve. Finishes quite broad, with major ripe tannins and lingering sweet fruit.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/7/2008

The superb second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, reflects the utter brilliance of the 2005 grand vin. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of lead pencil, ripe cherries and black currants, and hints of earth and vanillin. Dense, chewy, fleshy, and full-bodied, this beauty will be drinkable in 3-4 years, and should keep for 15-20.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/22/2008

Wine Advocate

88-91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/27/2006

As usual, this estate’s second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, is top-flight. Possessing more alcohol than the grand vin (13.45%), it offers gorgeous purity, plenty of red and black fruits, and a style similar to its more famous sibling. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.

Wine Spectator

92-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/28/2006

This is very solid, with currants, minerals and berries on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of licorice and cassis. Tight. Always excellent in top vintages. —J.S.