Marquis, Clos du
Summary
Clos du Marquis is a 40-hectare Saint-Julien estate owned by the Delon family since the 19th century, producing structured Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines from gravelly soils adjacent to the Léoville properties. The estate maintains traditional Bordeaux winemaking methods with hand-harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and 18-20 months aging in French oak, preserving its distinct identity as a separate cuvée rather than a second wine of Léoville Las Cases.
Heritage & Leadership
Clos du Marquis was established in 1902 by the Delon family, not as a second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases as commonly misunderstood, but as a distinct wine from specific vineyard parcels within the Saint-Julien appellation. The wine takes its name from the Marquis de Las Cases, a previous owner of what would become Léoville Las Cases. The Delon family, who has owned Château Léoville Las Cases since the 19th century, continues to oversee production of Clos du Marquis. Currently, Jean-Hubert Delon directs operations, maintaining the family's commitment to quality viticulture across their properties. Under his leadership, Clos du Marquis has been repositioned to emphasize its separate identity from Léoville Las Cases, with the introduction of Le Petit Lion in 2007 as the actual second wine of the grand château.
Vineyards & Wines
Clos du Marquis comes from specific vineyard parcels located in the western portion of the Léoville Las Cases estate in Saint-Julien. These vineyards, covering approximately 40 hectares, feature the classic Médoc gravelly soils that provide excellent drainage and heat retention. The vineyard composition typically includes 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, though percentages vary by vintage. The vines average 30 years of age, contributing to the wine's concentration and character. These parcels sit adjacent to neighboring châteaux Léoville Poyferré and Léoville Barton, benefiting from the exceptional terroir of the Saint-Julien appellation. The wine typically displays structured tannins, black fruit characteristics, and the capacity for extended aging—hallmarks of quality Saint-Julien wines.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach for Clos du Marquis follows the same exacting standards applied at Château Léoville Las Cases. Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs in tanks, after which the wine ages for 18-20 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 50% new oak. The Delon team practices traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques with modern precision, including regular racking and fining with egg whites before bottling. Annual production averages 15,000 cases, depending on the vintage conditions. While sharing the technical rigor of its parent château, Clos du Marquis is crafted to be more approachable in its youth while maintaining structure for medium to long-term aging. The wine represents the Delon family's commitment to expressing the specific character of its western Saint-Julien vineyard parcels, distinct from the grand vin of Léoville Las Cases.