Scores
93
Robert Parker
From bottle, the 2021 Clos du Marquis is just as impressive and serious as it was in cask. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, lilac, burning embers and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with a concentrated core of lively fruit, sweet but abundant tannins and a long, palate-staining finish. Drink 2027-2050.
92
Vinous
The 2021 Clos du Marquis is a potent, heady wine. Blue fruits, lavender, licorice, pencil shavings and crushed rocks all across the palate. This is classic Saint-Julien in bearing. A wine of substance and class, Clos du Marquis is quite impressive in this vintage, opening beautifully over time.
93
Decanter
Supple, ample and generous, this is a lovely Clos du Marquis with an intensity and liveliness straight away, the effects of strong selection giving this a concentrated core. Tannins are prominent but fine and velvety, coating the mouth in a chalky, dry texture but ripe not astringent. I love the fruit forwardness and intention here, but this also has tension and linearity, driving in one straight line from start to finish with a vein of minerality underneath - liquorice and graphite giving a saltiness on the tongue. Feels confident and sauve. A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 19% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc. Yield of 30hL/ha. 3.69pH. Ageing in 50% new barrels.