2014 Clos du Marquis, St-Julien

This has a subtle sauvage side, with a hint of dark olive and a smoldering tobacco note weaving around the core of fleshy plum sauce and steeped blackberry fruit. A touch firm on the finish for now, with a woodsy edge, but features more than enough flesh to soak that up. (JM)

The 2014 Clos du Marquis, a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, has kept that soupçon of opulence that I observed when this was in barrel; it has layers of blackberry, raspberry coulis, incense and iris emerging from the glass whilst maintaining superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry. Graphite-infused red and black fruit on the front palate whilst the back is adorned with just a hint of blue fruit that lends this a more feminine allure. There is lovely balance here, fresh and focused with a touch of graphite borrowed from over the border in Pauillac. This is an excellent Clos du Marquis that will give 20 years of pleasure. (NM)