Clos du Marquis 1998

Producer: Clos du Marquis | Appellation: Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 1998 | Estate: Château Léoville Las Cases
Blend: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2008–2038+ | Aging Potential: 30+ years

The Wine

Clos du Marquis is a distinguished estate wine produced by Château Léoville Las Cases, one of Saint-Julien's most revered properties. Sourced from dedicated vineyards surrounding the Grand Enclos, it is crafted independently from the Grand Vin, offering the same precision, pedigree, and unmistakable Saint-Julien character.

The 1998 vintage has evolved into a beautifully expressive wine, balancing mature complexity with remarkable freshness. Layers of cassis, cedar, graphite, and cigar-box aromas are complemented by refined tannins and elegant structure, making this an outstanding example of mature Left Bank Bordeaux. Now in an exceptional drinking window, it delivers both sophistication and enduring charm.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Aromas of blackcurrant, dried cherry, cedar, cigar box, graphite, leather, and subtle earthy spice.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with beautifully resolved tannins. Rich cassis and dark plum are supported by notes of tobacco, cocoa, pencil lead, and mineral freshness.

Finish: Long, elegant, and persistent, with lingering cedar, spice, and savoury complexity.

Producer Details

Produced by Château Léoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis has earned an international reputation for consistently outperforming expectations. Rather than being a traditional second wine, it is a separate estate wine from distinct vineyard parcels, benefiting from the same uncompromising viticulture and meticulous winemaking that have made Léoville Las Cases one of Bordeaux's greatest estates.

Wine Details

Vinification: Fermented in temperature-controlled vats; aged approximately 18 months in French oak barrels (around 40–50% new)
Alcohol Content: ~12.5–13% ABV
Cellaring: Drinking superbly now with decanting; capable of further graceful evolution through 2038+.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with:
– Roast beef or lamb
– Beef Wellington
– Venison and game dishes
– Wild mushroom risotto
– Mature Comté or aged Cheddar