Clos du Marquis

About this wine

Clos du Marquis is a prestigious Saint-Julien red wine with roots dating to 1902, making it one of Bordeaux's earliest dedicated second labels. Originally produced from parcels west of the Grand Clos, it evolved in the 1980s under Michel Delon from a simple second wine into an independent terroir expression in its own right. The vineyard's Quaternary gravel soils give the wine a distinct personality — more approachable in youth than the Grand Vin, yet possessing remarkable structure, elegance, and considerable aging potential. It delivers the classic Saint-Julien profile: refined, silky tannins, complex dark fruit aromas, and a persistent mineral-driven finish.

Sommelier's Note

"Clos du Marquis is the benchmark for what a Bordeaux second wine can be — it doesn't play second fiddle; it plays its own concerto."

Food Pairings

Pairs superbly with roasted rack of lamb, grilled beef fillet, game bird dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Pecorino. Also a natural match for umami-rich Japanese cuisine — soy-glazed grilled eel (unagi no kabayaki) and wagyu beef sukiyaki are outstanding combinations.

When to drink it

Ideal for celebratory dinners, milestone gifts, or stepping up from everyday Bordeaux to something truly special.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Style

Red

Price Range

¥7,000-13,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Produced from a dedicated parcel of Quaternary gravel soils situated west of the Grand Clos. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and oak vats, followed by malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, typically 40–50% new oak, to build complexity while preserving the wine's natural freshness and fruit expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clos du Marquis really a second wine?

Historically yes, but since the 1980s it has been vinified as an independent terroir expression from its own dedicated parcel — not merely the wine that didn't make the Grand Vin cut.

What does Clos du Marquis taste like?

Expect concentrated blackcurrant and dark plum, layered with cedar, pencil shavings, and graphite mineral notes, all framed by refined, silky tannins and a long, precise finish.

When is the best time to drink Clos du Marquis?

It is best enjoyed 8 to 15 years after the vintage, though excellent vintages (2005, 2010, 2016) can evolve gracefully for 20 or more years.

How does it compare to the Grand Vin, Château Léoville-Las Cases?

The Grand Vin is denser, more concentrated, and demands longer cellaring. Clos du Marquis is more approachable earlier and offers exceptional value — often considered one of the best price-to-quality ratios in the Médoc.

What grape varieties are used in Clos du Marquis?

The blend varies by vintage but typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small proportion of Petit Verdot, reflecting the composition of its dedicated parcel.