At a glance

Producer

Clos du Marquis (Domaines Delon)

Region

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$65-$90 USD

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, cedar, subtle floral tones, tobacco and savory herb undertones.

Evolution: Will move from pronounced fruit/wood to more earth, cigar box, leather and truffle notes as it ages.

At peak: Balanced fruit maturation and tertiary complexity with refined tannins, pronounced Saint-Julien minerality.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus

Tannins

Firm, ripe, well-structured

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage in ideal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2022 to 2039

Optimal window

2019 to 2042

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Structured, with evolving secondary notes and integrated tannins.

Clos du Marquis 2014 is built for age, with high-quality fruit and substantial tannins. Peak drinkability is typically reached 10-15 years post-vintage, when tannins mellow and secondary/tertiary aromas reach ideal complexity.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, aged ribeye, duck breast, hard aged cheeses (Comté, Manchego), mushroom tart.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (60-90 minutes) — Opens up bouquet and softens tannins, allowing secondary notes to emerge.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Progressive reduction in chemical inputs, focused vineyard management, increasing use of cover crops. No reported renewable energy integration or advanced packaging initiatives in 2014.

While Clos du Marquis (run by Domaines Delon, shared with Léoville Las Cases) makes efforts towards responsible viticulture such as reduced synthetic chemical use and soil health focus, the estate was not certified organic, biodynamic, or 'sustainable farming' in 2014. Initiatives towards sustainability have increased post-2016. Modernization and stewardship efforts were in progress but lagged against sustainability leaders. The wine’s carbon footprint is typical for Bordeaux: glass-heavy packaging and long export routes. Improvements in sustainability communication and practices appear in more recent vintages.