Wine Advocate – 90 Points
Tasted at Roberson’s Las-Cases vertical. Poured from magnum, compared to the 2000, the ’99 is also relatively youthful but does not exhibit nearly the same level of complexity or breeding, with blackberry, cedar and a touch of spice. Like the nose, the palate is a little softer than the 2000 with clean crisp tobacco-laced dark fruit with a very linear, quite tannic finish though without quite the fruit concentration to transcend the vintage. Very fine. Drink now-2020. Feb/2011 —Neal Martin | robertparker.com
Wine Spectator – 89 Points
Succulent and ripe red. Pretty and aromatic, with floral and berry character. Medium-bodied, with juicy, soft tannins. Long finish. Mar/2003 winespectator.com
Description
CLOS du MARQUIS was born out of a desire to harness the best qualities of distinct terroirs. This innovative approach allowed for the creation of a wine that captures the essence of its exceptional surroundings.
Situated in the revered Saint Julien appellation, the vineyard producing Clos du Marquis boasts a coveted location surrounded by renowned Classified Growths, including the prestigious Léoville Poyferré and Léoville Barton estates. This proximity to esteemed neighbors contributes to the wine’s unparalleled quality.
The terroir of Clos du Marquis is exceptional, with its vines planted on the top terroirs of Saint Julien. The unique combination of soils and microclimate bestows upon the grapes the potential to produce wines of remarkable character and complexity.
Remaining true to its origins, Clos du Marquis continues to utilize the advantage of its prime location. The winemaking team meticulously tends to the vineyards, ensuring that each grape receives the utmost care and attention. The resulting wines reflect the exceptional terroir and the expertise employed throughout the winemaking process.
As you savor a bottle of Clos du Marquis, you can relish in the harmony between tradition and innovation. Each sip reveals the magnificence of the Saint Julien terroir and the dedication of the winemakers. Embrace the opportunity to experience the culmination of centuries of winemaking expertise in every glass.
A Legacy Unveiled: CLOS du MARQUIS
CLOS du MARQUIS is a distinguished winery located in the renowned Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. Its rich history intertwines with the illustrious Chateau Léoville-Las Cases, known for producing exceptional wines. The story of CLOS du MARQUIS is a testament to the harmonious marriage of terroir, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The origins of CLOS du MARQUIS can be traced back to the prestigious Chateau Léoville-Las Cases. In the early 19th century, the Léoville estate was divided into three distinct properties: Léoville-Las Cases, Léoville-Barton, and Léoville-Poyferré. The portion of the estate surrounding the winery was designated as Léoville-Las Cases, while the adjacent vineyards, encompassing prime terroirs, were identified as CLOS du MARQUIS.
The name “CLOS du MARQUIS” pays homage to the historical significance of the vineyard. The “Clos” refers to the enclosed vineyard, showcasing the cherished vineyard plot. The “Marquis” signifies the title held by the former owners, the Marquis de Las Cases, who played a pivotal role in establishing the estate’s reputation.
Over the years, CLOS du MARQUIS has carved its own identity while remaining intrinsically linked to its esteemed sibling, Chateau Léoville-Las Cases. The vineyards of CLOS du MARQUIS are located in close proximity to those of Léoville-Las Cases, benefiting from the same exceptional terroir.
The terroir of CLOS du MARQUIS is extraordinary, characterized by gravelly soil, optimal sun exposure, and excellent drainage. These factors contribute to the development of grapes with exceptional concentration, complexity, and depth of flavor. The winemaking team at CLOS du MARQUIS harnesses these inherent qualities to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.
The vineyards of CLOS du MARQUIS are meticulously tended to, with sustainable vineyard practices and manual labor being integral to the winemaking process. Each grape is hand-picked at optimal ripeness, ensuring the preservation of its natural qualities and flavors.
In the cellar, the vinification process at CLOS du MARQUIS is executed with precision and care. Modern winemaking techniques are combined with traditional practices to extract the finest expression from the grapes. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, allowing for precise control over the maceration process. Aging in oak barrels further enhances the complexity and structure of the wines.
CLOS du MARQUIS wines are known for their elegance, finesse, and ability to age gracefully. They offer a captivating combination of ripe fruit flavors, refined tannins, and a harmonious balance. These qualities reflect the distinct terroir of the vineyards and the expertise employed in crafting each bottle.
While CLOS du MARQUIS has its unique identity, it shares the same commitment to excellence as Chateau Léoville-Las Cases. Both estates strive to produce wines that exemplify the character and potential of the Saint-Julien appellation.
In conclusion, the history of CLOS du MARQUIS is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Léoville estate and its dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality. With each bottle of CLOS du MARQUIS, wine enthusiasts can experience the rich history, profound terroir, and winemaking mastery that define this remarkable estate.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
James Suckling spent nearly three decades at Wine Spectator, serving as Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief, before launching his own platform in 2010. Renowned for his fast-paced review style, Suckling and his team rate more than 25,000 wines annually from all over the world — with a strong focus on Italy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. His reviews are direct and generous, often accompanied by tasting videos and interviews with winemakers. Suckling also hosts large-scale tasting events around the globe and maintains strong influence on luxury wine buying in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and China.
Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
Founded in 2021 by former Wine Advocate editor-in-chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine photographer Johan Berglund, The Wine Independent emphasizes transparency, independence, and long-form, in-depth critical reviews. It operates on a subscription-only model and maintains no advertising relationships, ensuring its opinions are entirely editorial and not influenced by wineries or sponsors. Their reviews, primarily focused on Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Champagne, feature detailed tasting notes and region-specific insights, and the site aims to be a trusted source for high-end collectors and trade professionals.
Burghound (BH)
Burgundy Expertise and Global Pinot Noir Specialist
Allen Meadows launched Burghound.com in 2001 after a successful career in finance and years of deep study into the wines of Burgundy. His quarterly reports are considered the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially from France and Oregon. Burghound is highly regarded for its vintage retrospectives, producer profiles, and strict scoring discipline. Meadows is known for revisiting wines across vintages to track aging and performance, providing valuable data for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
The Tasting Panel is a leading beverage trade magazine that reviews wine, spirits, and beer with an eye toward the business side of the industry. Edited by Meridith May, the magazine blends product ratings with distributor insights, marketing trends, and interviews with industry leaders. Its wine scores often appear in distributor portfolios and retail shelf talkers. Known for a broad palate and market-savvy commentary, The Tasting Panel holds a unique position between reviewer and trade magazine.
Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
Stephen Tanzer was the publisher of the International Wine Cellar for nearly 25 years before merging with Vinous in 2014. Known for his conservative scoring style and deep knowledge of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and U.S. wines, Tanzer remains a respected contributor at Vinous. His legacy includes pioneering English-language coverage of less-celebrated wine regions and maintaining credibility with both trade professionals and collectors. Tanzer’s tasting notes are concise, technical, and valued for their consistency.
Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
Former Aerospace Engineer Turned Rhône and U.S. Wine Authority
Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
Bordeaux Specialist and Authoritative Wine Writer
Jane Anson spent nearly 20 years writing for Decanter Magazine before launching her own subscription-based platform, Inside Bordeaux. She is one of the most respected contemporary voices on Bordeaux, having authored “Inside Bordeaux” — a highly praised and scholarly reference work. Anson is noted for her deep engagement with vineyard practices, producer interviews, and regional changes. She holds a diploma from the Bordeaux Wine School and continues to publish detailed tasting reports and essays for…
Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
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