2012 Clos du Marquis Léoville-Las Cases
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Tasting notes
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 40% new oak. 13.5% abv. A bit rustic on the nose but satisfyingly plush on the palate. Quite pretty and fragrant with fine tannins. Good ripeness for the vintage. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
FINE+RARE
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Clos du Marquis has more horsepower on the nose compared to the 2012 Talbot. The fruit is slightly darker, though the oak is well-integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, granular in texture, a touch of white pepper sprinkled over the red fruit with just a very slight but welcome bitterness on the finish that lends it edge. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Cedar and raspberry, this is an attractive Clos du Marquis that is in a sweet spot for drinking. Unfussy and earthy, a few hard tannins that catch on the finish, but plenty to recommend. An unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon lends extra interest.
Tasted blind. Looks a bit dull and youthful. Smudgy rim. Diffuse nose. Astringent finish. Needs more focus and fruit. (JR)
About the producer
One of the leading estates in Bordeaux, Ch. Léoville Las Cases is one of the largest and oldest Classed Growths in the Médoc. Along with Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou, it is widely considered one of the best estates in Saint-Julien.