Clos Du Marquis Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien 2009 750ml

Jeb Dunnuck writes: A beautiful, young, and still burly 2009, the Clos du Marquis comes from a single vineyard in the Léoville Las Cases stable (it's not a second wine) and is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It's a beautiful wine offering classic Saint-Julien crème de cassis fruits as well as lots of rocky minerality, cedarwood, graphite, and spring flowers. With full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, stunning purity of fruit, and a great finish, it needs a solid decant if drinking today and has another two decades or more of prime drinking. Drinking 2022 - 2042 - Jeb Dunnuck 94

James Molesworth writes: This has a perfumy espresso edge to its racy red currant, briar and blackberry bush notes. Long and refined through the finish, with a pronounced minerality that should soften in a decade. Tight, but a rather elegant expression of Cabernet overall. Best from 2016 through 2024. - Wine Spectator 92

Jancis Robinson writes: Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Nicely composed without being a standout. Hint of cream cheese on the black-cherry fruit so not the most appetising but perfectly OK. Just a little leathery on the end. A little tough and lacking freshness on the end. Drinking 2023 - 2032 - Jancis Robinson 16

James Suckling writes: Rich yet firmly structured this is a very classic St.-Julien that's generous and polished with so much energy driving the long plush finish. Delicious now, but should hold for many years. - James Suckling 95

Neal Martin writes: The 2009 Clos du Marquis is tightly wound on the nose, gradually unfurling to reveal blackberry pastilles, boysenberry, pencil shaving and subtle mint aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, good weight in the mouth, and crisp acidity. Fresh and vibrant with a gentle grip on the finish that perhaps would benefit from more persistence. Otherwise this is very fine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Drinking 2022 - 2038 - Vinous 92

Georgina Hindle writes: Fragrant and full with deep, rich, dark and silky tannins underpinned by great freshness. It has a smooth texture, the flavours of sweet but fresh and vibrant cherry fruit and a touch of menthol just gliding across the palate, supported by tight-knit tannins. High-toned with well-defined edges and a consistency from start to finish. You could drink this now for its rich but seductive charming fruit-forwardness. Drinking 2025 - 2045 - Decanter 95

Lisa Perrotti-Brown writes: Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Clos du Marquis gives up notes of warm cassis, mocha, plum preserves and tobacco with a touch of Mediterranean herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is solidly structured with firm, chewy tannins backing up the muscular fruit core, culminating in a mineral-laced finish. Drinking 2019 - 2026 - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91