Clos du Marquis 2003

Characteristics and tasting advice for Clos du Marquis 2003

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a deep garnet hue with brown highlights at the rim of the glass, reflecting the wine’s evolution after more than two decades.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex, mature bouquet combining dark fruits, red roses and plums. Secondary notes of tobacco, cigar box, roasted berries, fennel, smoke and mushrooms create a distinctive aromatic profile. With aeration, hints of marmalade and seamlessly integrated vanilla round out the aromatic ensemble.

Palate

The palate offers a medium-to-full body with a silky, polished texture. Flavors of black cherries, blackcurrant and leather intertwine with notes of mocha, vanilla and spice. Velvety, rounded tannins bring structure and elegance, while bright acidity preserves freshness. The finish is long, fleshy and layered, with notes of sweet cherries and lingering red fruits.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos du Marquis 2003 pairs perfectly with roasted red meats, coq au vin and braised poultry. It also matches very well with aged hard cheeses, game preparations such as venison or wild boar, as well as mushroom dishes. Asian beef dishes with umami-rich sauces also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

Clos du Marquis 2003 has reached full maturity and is best enjoyed now. One hour of decanting helps reveal its full aromatic complexity. Serve at 16-18°C to fully appreciate its balance and finesse.

A full-bodied, harmonious Saint-Julien from an exceptional terroir

The estate

Created in 1902, Clos du Marquis is a wine from a distinct terroir located near Château Léoville Las Cases in the Saint-Julien appellation. Owned by the Delon family for over 125 years, the estate is now led by Jean-Hubert Delon, who continues the family’s commitment to excellence. Clos du Marquis stands out for its own identity as a specific terroir wine rather than a traditional second wine, benefiting from the same technical expertise as Léoville Las Cases while expressing the unique character of its 45 hectares of vines.

The vineyard

The Clos du Marquis vineyard covers around 45 hectares located 500 meters west of the Enclos de Léoville Las Cases, in the Saint-Julien appellation. The vines, averaging 30 to 35 years of age with some plants reaching 45 years, grow on humic podzol soils over ancient, fine sandy-clay Quaternary gravels. The historical presence of a forest enriched the soils with organic matter, giving the wine its distinctive Saint-Julien typicity. Located at around 20 meters above sea level on the Saint-Julien plateau, the vineyard benefits from an excellent slope that promotes drainage.

The vintage

The 2003 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by an exceptionally hot, dry summer, creating water-stress conditions in many vineyards. In Saint-Julien, the well-drained gravel soils made it possible to manage these conditions successfully. The grapes reached remarkable ripeness while preserving the necessary balance. Harvesting for Clos du Marquis 2003 took place between September 11 and 26, reflecting a selective approach aimed at capturing optimal ripeness for each parcel and grape variety.

Vinification and aging

The harvest is carried out by hand with rigorous grape selection. Clos du Marquis 2003 was vinified in the same facilities as Léoville Las Cases, benefiting from top-tier equipment while maintaining separate vinification. After manual harvesting and meticulous sorting, fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel and concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation took place in vat. Aging then continued for 14 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with around 40% new oak, allowing harmonious oak integration while preserving the expression of the fruit and terroir.

Grape varieties

Cabernet sauvignon (54%)
Merlot (43%)
Petit verdot (3%)