Clos du Marquis 2007

Characteristics and tasting advice for Clos du Marquis 2007

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red color with purple highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals lovely aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruits (blackcurrant, black cherry), complemented by hints of cedar, tobacco, and forest floor. Earthy touches reminiscent of truffle and autumn leaves round out this elegant bouquet.

Palate

The attack is soft and refined. The palate reveals an elegant structure carried by fine, silky tannins. Black-fruit aromas linger, supported by pleasing freshness and good concentration through the mid-palate. The finish, of moderate length, shows slightly chocolatey notes and a delicate tannic texture.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos du Marquis 2007 pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled red meats, game, and duck-based dishes. It also goes very well with lamb, braised veal, and aged cheeses. Fans of Asian cuisine will appreciate it alongside dishes with dark sauces and mushrooms.

Serving and cellaring

Clos du Marquis 2007 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 15.5°C. Decanting for 2 to 4 hours allows the wine to fully express its aromatic range. This vintage can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve through around 2027.

An elegant, refined Saint-Julien

The estate

Founded in 1902, Clos du Marquis is an estate of Domaines Delon, which also owns the prestigious Château Léoville Las Cases. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a second wine but a cuvée in its own right, sourced from specific plots located about 500 meters west of the historic Léoville Las Cases Enclos. Jean-Hubert Delon now oversees all the family’s estates with a philosophy focused on the authentic expression of terroirs. Clos du Marquis benefits from the same high standards and technical expertise as the grand vin of Léoville Las Cases, while expressing the unique character of its own terroir.

The vineyard

The Clos du Marquis vineyard lies within the Saint-Julien appellation, one of the most prestigious in the Médoc. The plots rest on ancient, fine Quaternary gravel at an altitude of around twenty meters. The soils feature humic podzols over sandy-clay gravels, enriched with organic matter due to the historic presence of forest on these lands. This distinctive feature gives the wine its characteristic forest-floor notes. The vines average between 30 and 45 years old, ensuring excellent depth of expression. The vineyard is managed with respect for the environment, using sustainable and organic practices.

The vintage

The 2007 vintage proved particularly demanding for Bordeaux winegrowers. After early budbreak in April encouraged by mild temperatures, summer was marked by cool, wet conditions in July and August, requiring rigorous vineyard management to prevent fungal diseases. Fortunately, September brought more favorable conditions, allowing the grapes to reach optimal phenolic ripeness despite the cool growing cycle. Harvesting for Clos du Marquis 2007 took place between September 22 and October 9, capturing fruit at ideal maturity. This year produced elegant, approachable wines with fine tannins.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Clos du Marquis 2007 are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification is carried out plot by plot in vats of different sizes and materials (wood, concrete, stainless steel), allowing precise control of fermentation temperatures. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks to ensure optimal control of the process. Aging of Clos du Marquis 2007 then continues in French oak barrels for 14 to 18 months, with around 50% new oak. This moderate proportion adds complexity while preserving the delicate expression of the terroir.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (58%)
Merlot (35%)
Cabernet Franc (5%)
Petit Verdot (2%)