Clos du Marquis, Saint-Julien, 2022, 75cl

The 2020 Clos du Marquis is composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with an alcohol of 13.57%, a pH of 3.76 and an IPT (tannins index) of 84. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from the 26th to 29th of September, the Merlot from the 11th to the 16th of September and the Cabernet Franc from the 18th to the 29th of September. Deep purple-black in color, it bursts from the glass with flamboyant notes of crushed blackberries, ripe, juicy plums and blackcurrant pastilles, with suggestions of licorice, red roses and espresso. The medium-bodied palate is completely coated with perfumed black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Simply gorgeous.- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

A scented, fresh and polished Clos du Marquis that shows tension. Medium- to full-bodied, this has blueberries and red berries with attractive minerality. A hint of pencil shavings as well. The tannins are fresh and really chalky and dissolved. 45.5% merlot, 44.5% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc. Superb balance makes it pure, almost a bit ethereal and already inviting, but this should be approached after 2028.

A dark ruby red, an opaque core, purple hues, some brightening on the rim. Subtle savoury notes, blackberry confit, tobacco nuances, cassis, complex, tightly meshed, cherry, good freshness, ripe, structured tannins, some nougat, persistent, excellent ageing potential, would easily pass as a Pauillac in a blind tasting, the savoury nuances of St. Julien only emerge on the finish. (25/1, +25, PM).