Clos du Marquis 2001

Tasting characteristics and advice for Clos du Marquis 2001

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby color with purple highlights, of remarkable intensity.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity with notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, enhanced by hints of cedar, leather and forest floor. Touches of tobacco, clove and licorice further enrich the bouquet, reflecting harmonious evolution.

Palate

On the palate, Clos du Marquis 2001 stands out for its medium-bodied yet elegant structure. Vibrant black fruit, notably blackcurrant, comes through with energy, supported by fresh, incisive acidity. Silky, velvety tannins provide a refined texture, while the lingering finish reveals notes of chestnut and sweet spices.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is a perfect match for grilled or herb-roasted red meats with herbes de Provence, a roasted or braised leg of lamb, as well as duck breast. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses such as Comté or truffle-based dishes.

Serving and cellaring

This red wine is best enjoyed at a temperature of 16 to 18°C. Decanting for around one hour before serving is recommended to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

An elegant, complex Saint-Julien from Domaines Delon

The estate

Created in 1902, Clos du Marquis is an estate of Domaines Delon, also owners of the prestigious Château Léoville Las Cases. Located in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle in the Médoc, the estate covers around 45 hectares. Today led by Jean-Hubert Delon, assisted by his sister Geneviève d'Alton, the property stands out as a cuvée in its own right, produced from a distinct terroir rather than as a second wine. It takes its name from the Petit Clos, a historic plot adjoining Château de Léoville, former residence of the Marquis de Las Cases.

The vineyard

The vineyard is planted on the Saint-Julien plateau, around 500 meters west of the Grand Enclos of Léoville Las Cases. The vines, averaging thirty to thirty-five years of age, grow on a terroir of fine, old Quaternary gravels over humic, clay-sandy podzol soils. This composition gives the wine its distinctive Saint-Julien character, combining structure, complexity and elegance. The site’s exposure and natural drainage promote optimal grape ripening.

The vintage

The 2001 vintage in Bordeaux saw a mild, rainy winter, followed by an early spring with early budbreak. May and June were marked by high temperatures and a water deficit. July brought rainfall before a return to warm, dry conditions through to harvest. September and October enjoyed stable temperatures between 20 and 25°C, allowing optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving natural freshness. Harvest took place from October 2 to 12.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes were hand-harvested, allowing for rigorous selection of the finest clusters. Parcel-by-parcel vinification was carried out with precise temperature control, followed by aging in oak barrels. This fruit- and terroir-respectful approach fully expresses the wine’s personality while providing structure and complexity.

Grape varieties

Cabernet sauvignon (67 %)
Merlot (32 %)
Cabernet franc (1 %)