Clos du Marquis - Castle Léoville Las Cases - Saint-Julien 2011 11166fe81142afc18593181d6269c740

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe8/31/2014

Bright ruby.  Perfumed, expressive aromas of ripe blackberry and candied cherry are joined by suggestions of potpourri and an intense note of violet.  Broad and sweet  on entry, with weighty dark berry and ripe dark cherry flavors showing a floral quality, but turns austere, even a little bitter, on the back end.  The fruit expands and deepens on the finish, which features mounting tannins and an almost thick texture for this wine.  I think this needs time:  try a bottle in about five or six years. (88(+?) points)

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2014

89+Now a completely separate entity from Leoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis is produced from Las Cases vineyards, but only from those that are outside the famous walled sector (referred to as Le Clos), which are reserved for Leoville Las Cases. The 2011 Clos du Marquis, which is meant to compete with second growths, possesses a dark ruby/plum color along with classic black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of minerality and spice. This pure, medium-bodied, well-endowed beauty can be drunk over the next 10-15 years.

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/19/2014

Beautifully aromatic with lots of flowers and dark fruits. Full body with chewy backbone of tannins and a racy, textured finish. It’s mineral and focused. Try in 2017.      

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/11/2014

This is well-packed for the vintage, with graphite and charcoal accents forming the edges, while the core sports steeped black currant, blackberry and plum fruit flavors. The long finish lets a tarry note stride in. Best from 2017 through 2027. 6,250 cases made. 

La Revue du Vin de France

15,5-16,5 / 20

the5/31/2012

Les cabernets assurent la trame de ce vin profond et magnifiquement dense. Très belle intensité des saveurs et support acide bien calé qui lui confère longueur et fraîcheur. Une fois encore, il atteint le niveau de bien des crus classés.

Le Point

15-15,5 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012

Poivre noir, résine, bouche ronde en attaque qui se développe ensuite, tanins fermes, de la chair, moins aromatique que certaines années mais belle strucutre. O= 2016 G= 10 ans

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88-91 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot and 13% cabernet franc; 40% new oak): Ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of cassis, flowers and herbs. Sweet and plummy on entry, then tighter but still pliant in the middle, showing an enticing restrained sweetness to the blackcurrant, soy sauce and mocha flavors. Finishes persistent and floral, with noble tannins spreading out to saturate the palate.

Decanter.com

17 / 20

the4/30/2012

Superb expression of Cabernet cassis, great purity, depth, length and precision. A Pauillac-Saint Julien. Drink 2016-2028.

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012

A top-notch success that tips the scales at 13.6% natural alcohol, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc was cropped at only 27 hectoliters per hectare. Representing 40% of the entire production, this is a seriously endowed, deep purple-colored 2011 with lots of pure creme de cassis and black cherry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of cedar, vanillin and spice box. With good acidity, ripe tannin and surprising concentration as well as depth, this classic St.-Julien has once again over-performed.

TAST

17-18 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012

Vin complet, puissant et raffiné, ayant certainement gagné en autorité de constitution avec la création du Petit Lion, dans la mesure où l'âge des vignes égale celui de la plupart des premiers vins des crus classés. Grande garde prévisible.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-91 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2012

produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. From low yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare, the wine reached 13.6% alcohol and will be aged in 40% new oak. Ruby in color, black raspberry, floral, coffee bean and dark cherry scents are found on the nose. Sweet, ripe, fresh, juicy cassis rounds out the finish. This is quite charming. 90-91 Pts

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012

The Clos du Marquis is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc cropped at 27hl/ha. It has a well-defined, minerally bouquet that would benefit from a little more fruit intensity. It is certainly broody and introspective compared to the 2010. The palate is more promising with a firm backbone, fresh acidity, foursquare and masculine with good substance and weight towards the finish, more sense of completeness than the aromatics suggests. It does not quite have the persistency of a great Clos du Marquis but it is very fine. Tasted April 2012

Asian Palate

91-92 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2012

This wine offers wonderful depth and layers of flavours with ripe tannins and dense mouthfeel but it is well done, polished and long. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with violets, cedar and cassis flavours and a fairly long finish. Very classic St Julien.

Jancis Robinson

17,5 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/18/2012

Drink 2018-2035 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc. 40% new barrels. Inky black cherry with black core. Wonderfully refined cassis fruit purity with just the slightest hint of cedar. Lovely elegance with fine fruit fragrance on the palate. Refined dry texture without any dryness. Top-class Cabernet character. Great length with finesse in the tannins to the very end. Classic St-Julien. (JH)

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012

This is solid, with singed apple wood giving way to damson plum and blackberry fruit. Dark roasted vanilla bean and tar notes take over on the finish, which has nice stuffing.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/1/2012

This is very structured for the vintage with firm yet polished tannins and bright acidity. Lemony finish. Minerally. Full and dense. Nose is bright and floral. From Leoville Las Cases. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc.