The 2014 Clos du Marquis, a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, has kept that soup?on of opulence that I observed when this was in barrel; it has layers of blackberry, raspberry coulis, incense and iris emerging from the glass whilst maintaining superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry. Graphite-infused red and black fruit on the front palate whilst the back is adorned with just a hint of blue fruit that lends this a more feminine allure. There is lovely balance here, fresh and focused with a touch of graphite borrowed from over the border in Pauillac. This is an excellent Clos du Marquis that will give 20 years of pleasure.

The Clos du Marquis 2014 is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc cropped at 33 hectoliter per hectare and matured in 50% new wood. Picked between 30 September and 13 October, it has a ripe, quite opulent bouquet with layers of blackberry, dark plum and incense, a touch of pencil lead with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little pinched at the moment but it will “relax”. The alcohol level is one of the highest ever at 13.85% and yet it it counterbalanced by its freshness. In fact, the finish is quite classic in style and provides a pleasant juxtaposition with the more generous aromatics ? it will be interesting to see how they develop during their ?levage.