Clos du Marquis, Saint-Julien 2014

Complex aromas of dried flowers, dark fruits such as currants and plums and then a wet-earth undertone. Wet licorice as well. Full body, firm and silky tannins and an entrancing finish. Tight and polished. Drink in 2022 but hard not to drink now.

The 2014 Clos Du Marquis is a gem, and certainly a match for the 2012, although the 2015 has slightly more oomph. A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it boasts a ripe, medium to full-bodied, silky style as well as lots of chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth aromatics. With a core of crème de cassis-like fruit, impressive balance, sweet tannin, and a great finish, it should drink well for 15-20 years.

The 2014 Clos du Marquis has an attractive, perfumed bouquet with ample red berry fruit intermixed with wild heather, cedar and light brine aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well judged acidity, very cohesive and demonstrating real structure and sophistication towards the finish. This is a sublime Clos du Marquis that should give 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

The 2014 Clos du Marquis is a rich, powerful wine. Sweet tobacco, herb, anise and leather notes give the wine its distinctive savory/earthy profile. The 2014 is plump, juicy and quite dense for the year. The tannins are a bit rustic, but the 2014 is very nicely rendered. Today, the 2014 is a bit less gracious than it was from barrel. It will be interesting to see if the wine is going through a phase of awkwardness or if it is destined to remain somewhat rough around the edges. The blend is 74 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 % Merlot and 4 % Cabernet Franc.