At a glance

Producer

Jean-Hubert Delon

Region

Saint-Julien AOC, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (1%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$90

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, tobacco with slight earthiness and firm tannic grip

Evolution: Tannins will soften; tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and cedar will expand while fruit integrates further

At peak: Complex blend of ripe fruit, tertiary earth and mineral tones, and polished tannins

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, balanced and fresh for aging

Tannins

Firm and well-integrated, typical of Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent, with 20+ years of aging potential based on vintage and producer reputation

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2042

Optimal window

2024 to 2045

Current status

Approaching drinkability, with growing complexity

Current condition

Structured tannins with noticeable acidity; fruit still vibrant, evolving secondary aromas developing

The 2017 vintage’s moderate weather yielded balanced wines with ripe tannins and sufficient acidity, supporting a long aging curve. The producer Jean-Hubert Delon is known for crafting balanced, structured wines that improve significantly over 15-25 years, placing the peak in the late 2020s to mid-2030s.

Food pairing

Pair with red meats such as grilled ribeye, lamb, duck with rich sauces, mature hard cheeses, and dishes with earthy mushroom components.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and allow evolving aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Traditional Bordeaux viticulture with increasing attention to integrated pest management and sustainable farming methods; some water conservation and energy efficiency measures reportedly implemented

Clos du Marquis does not presently list formal sustainability certifications like organic or biodynamic but demonstrates incremental improvements in sustainability, common among classic Bordeaux estates. Focus on maintaining vineyard health with selective chemical use and reasonable water utilization contributes positively, yet more transparency and certifications would raise the score.