Clos Du Marquis Collection

 

A Standalone Grand Terroir, Not a Second Wine

Created in 1902 by the Delon family—owners of the historicChâteau Léoville Las Cases—Clos Du Marquis occupies a unique place in Left Bank Bordeaux. While often misidentified as a simple "second wine," Clos Du Marquis is a distinct expression born from its own dedicated 45-hectare vineyard in the heart of Saint-Julien.

Situated roughly 500 meters west of Léoville Las Cases' famous walledEnclos vineyard, Clos Du Marquis is completely surrounded by top Classified Growths (Grand Cru Classé), including Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, and Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Because it originates from its own unique soil and microclimate, it displays a distinct identity that routinely rivals Classified Growths in depth, aging potential, and power.

Terroir & Viticultural Philosophy

The Clos Du Marquis vineyard is situated on ancient quaternary gravel soils that are finer and older than those near the Gironde estuary. Combined with high organic topsoil content (owing to historical forest land), the terroir yields vines with deep root structures.

• Grape Varieties: Heavily dominated byCabernet Sauvignon (delivering structure, graphite, and dark fruit intensity), supported byMerlot (providing mid-palate flesh and roundness), and accented withCabernet Franc andPetit Verdot.

• Cellar Artistry: Vinified with high precision in temperature-controlled vats and aged for 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels (approximately 25% to 50% new oak depending on vintage), ensuring a harmonious balance between pure fruit and subtle oak spice.

Key Portfolio Expressions

• Clos Du Marquis (Grand Vin): The flagship release. Dense, dark ruby in color with a quintessential Saint-Julien aromatic profile: cassis, black cherry, cedar, pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, and wet gravel minerality. Firm yet fine-grained tannins offer decades of cellar aging potential.

• La Petite Marquise du Clos du Marquis: Introduced with the 2015 vintage, this is the official second wine of Clos Du Marquis. Made from younger vines, it emphasizes vibrant red fruits, floral elegance, and early-drinking accessibility while maintaining the estate's refined tannic backbone.

Epicurean Food Pairings

• Red Meats: Grilled ribeye steak, rack of lamb with herbs, and prime roast beef.

• Game & Poultry: Braised duck breast, roasted venison loin, or pheasant with berry reduction.

• Savory & Earthy Dishes: Wild mushroom risottos, truffle-infused pastas, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Gouda.