Clos Marsalette Rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2014

Jamessuckling.com

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/16/2017

Quite smoky, but this is a rich wine that carries the oak rather well, and there’s a very solid tannic base to this that doesn’t dominate the taste. Delicious fruit under it all. Try in 2019.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/9/2017

This has lively pepper and bay streaks, along with a sanguine twinge, amid the core of cherry and red currant fruit. A bright iron note shows on the finish. Has length, refinement and purity. Best from 2018 through 2024. 4,600 cases made.

Vinous

91 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe2/6/2017

The 2014 Clos Marsalette offers up an intriguing combination of super-ripe red stone fruit and expressive floral notes. Today, the 2014 is especially racy and a bit more overtly ripe than it was from barrel. Sweet herbs, tobacco, rose petal, mint and anise add lift to the creamy, inviting finish. Tasted two times.

Le Point

15 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015

Fruits rouges, frais, tanins serrés type bois blond, savoureux, cannelle, bon équilibre bois fruit, fringant, bien juteux, réglisse en finale. 

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

Smoke, graphite, plum, rose petals, mint, red cherry, licorice and spices meld together in the 2014 Clos Marsalette. A wine of real personality and character, the 2014 offers outstanding quality for the money. Smoky, savory notes add the final layers of nuance on the juicy, Merlot-driven finish. The blend is 60% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.

The Wine Cellar Insider

89-91 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

Coffee, smoke and dark red fruits shape a soft, fresh, tobacco-singed wine that will drink quite well in its youth. 89-91 Pts

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The Clos Marsalette 2014 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 29 September and 10 October at 43 hectoliters per hectare and with a 21-day cuvaison. Aged in 40% new oak, it has a rounded and quite sensual bouquet with mulberry and thyme scents emerging from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, the oak a little conspicuous at the moment. There are no hard edges here. The finish is balanced with quite broody black fruit and touches of black olive, although I feel that it does not quite have the complexity of the best vintages of this Pessac-Léognan from Comtes von Neipperg.

Decanter.com

16,5 / 20

byJane Ansonthe4/17/2015

Rich extraction, full intensity black cherry, dark fruit impact on the attack from a majority (55%) Cabernet Sauvignon together with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, could pull up a little more on the finish to reflect the elegance of the vintage. Still, this is rich and round and has ageing potential. Good quality for a lesser known estate from the Canon la Gaffelière stable. 50% new oak. Drink: 2020-2030 (88)

Jamessuckling.com

89-90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015

A young wine with fine and soft tannins. Medum to full body, lovely texture.

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Holundriges Bouquet welches spontan anspricht, ein Hauch Earl-Grey dahinter. Im Gaumen mit Saft und schöner Würze, bleibt im blaubeerigen Bereich. Das wird ein grosser Spass. Und diesen Spass gibt es für ein recht bescheidenes Budget. 17/20 2018 – 2026

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015

Shows a mix of sanguine, savory, bramble and tobacco notes, with lightly steeped damson plum and red currant fruit. The sleek finish lets the savory edge play out.One hopes this will gain flesh with the élevage.

Bettane & Desseauve

15 / 20

Nez puissant, très riche, fruits noirs bien mûrs, cuir, tabac, notes fumées, bouche généreuse, savoureuse, sans aucune accroche, avec des arômes très persistants et de la fraicheur. Du velours. très belle réussite.