Clos du Marquis 2025

Clos du Marquis is made by Château Léoville Las Cases, one of the historic estates of the Médoc, now owned by Jean-Hubert Delon. It draws on the estate's Saint-Julien vineyards, a blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The gravel soils of Saint-Julien drain freely and store daytime heat, helping Cabernet ripen fully while the maritime climate of the Gironde estuary keeps the wine fresh. Each variety contributes in turn: Cabernet the backbone and cassis, Merlot the flesh, Cabernet Franc the perfume and Petit Verdot colour and spice. The wine ages 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and the oak adds cedar and a fine toast. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe blackberry and plum, with tobacco, cedar and a savoury earthiness. The palate is medium to full bodied, the tannins firm but polished, with a long, structured finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for an hour. It suits roast lamb, beef and hard cheese.