Clos du Marquis 2009

Characteristics and tasting advice for Clos du Marquis 2009

Tasting

Color
The color shows a deep, bright garnet hue.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex aromatic palette dominated by ripe black fruits. Distinct notes of blackcurrant, mocha and plum jam emerge, subtly accompanied by touches of Mediterranean herbs.

Palate
On the palate, the wine unfolds a well-balanced structure with supple yet firm tannins. The velvety texture wraps the palate while the fruity core remains central. The finish expresses mineral notes and lingers with persistence and elegance.

Food and wine pairings
Clos du Marquis 2009 pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, game in sauce, duck breast, or aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
It is recommended to serve Clos du Marquis 2009 at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for one hour before tasting will allow the wine to aerate and fully release its complex aromas. This vintage can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve through around 2029.

An elegant, structured Saint-Julien from an exceptional Bordeaux terroir

The estate
Clos du Marquis was created in 1902 by the Delon family to showcase a distinct set of parcels located west of the Grand Enclos de Léoville Las Cases. Unlike a traditional second wine, it is a wine in its own right, produced from a specific terroir and with separate vinification. Today, Jean-Hubert Delon runs the estate, perpetuating the excellence of this Saint-Julien wine, renowned for its remarkable consistency and outstanding value for money. In 2007, the creation of Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases definitively confirmed the unique status of Clos du Marquis as an independent wine.

The vineyard
The Clos du Marquis vineyard covers around 45 hectares in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, 500 meters west of the Grand Enclos de Léoville Las Cases. Planted on the Saint-Julien plateau at an altitude of 20 meters, it rests on humic podzols and Quaternary sandy-clay gravels that are older and finer than those of the Grand Enclos. The significant presence of organic matter at the surface, due to the parcel’s forested past, gives the wine its distinctive Saint-Julien character. The vines, with an average age of 30 years, benefit from an oceanic climate tempered by the proximity of the Gironde estuary, although their slightly more sheltered position results in later ripening than in the Grand Enclos.

The vintage
The 2009 vintage proved exceptional across the entire Bordeaux region. The year benefited from particularly favorable weather conditions, described as sunny and regal. Abundant sunshine during August and September allowed for a strong concentration of grape aromas. The right balance between cool nights, sufficient rainfall and daytime dryness promoted beautiful, complete ripening of the grapes, both aromatically and tannically, giving birth to wines of remarkable quality.

Vinification and aging
The 2009 Clos du Marquis harvest was carried out by hand, followed by meticulous grape sorting. Vinification took place at the Château Léoville Las Cases facilities, although the lots were vinified separately to preserve the integrity of the terroir. The grapes were vinified in a range of vats of different capacities made of wood, concrete or temperature-controlled stainless steel. Maceration lasted between 12 and 20 days at a temperature between 24 and 28°C. Aging then continued in French oak barrels for 14 to 18 months, with around 25% new oak, preserving the brightness of the fruit while adding elegant complexity.

Grape varieties
Cabernet sauvignon (65%), merlot (19%), cabernet franc (13%), petit verdot (3%).