Treated now as a separate wine, rather than a second wine, with its own vineyard, Clos du Marquis has developed a dense, concentrated style. It is firm, chewy, the tannins in suspension in the rich fruit. Good aging potential. ROGER VOSS

(90-92 points) 08 Clos du Marquis is 55% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, and a dollop of petit verdot. It sees 25% new oak. Its nose is of smoky black fruit and spice. The wine finishes with soft, dark berry flavors. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2008&wine=Clos%20du%20Marquis

Sourced from different vines to Petit Lion, in an entirely different section of the vineyard, this is a little softer in expression, even with just one year difference. The vintage itself had a late budburst after a wet and rainy start, followed by a dry July, wet August and a late harvest. It meant that the Cabernet had a little trouble but the Merlot was good and ripe, because they waited to pick it. This is extremely enjoyable to drink today, with a clear line of sight to the main estate signature. It has dense black cherry and blackberries, a silky texture, and enjoyable balance between menthol freshness and still-firm tannins. 50% new oak.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Clos du Marquis is an excellent Saint Julien from Mon. Delon although it did not quite meet my expectations under blind conditions. It has a refined well-defined bouquet with blackberry cedar and Margaux-like violets. The aromatics are fresh and vibrant with well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied and succulent fleshy and generous with a sweet velvety finish. Very satisfying though it is perhaps not a long term Saint Julien. Tasted January 2012.

The 2008 Clos du Marquis has an expressive bouquet with blackberry, briary and pencil shaving aromas that gains intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with just a light seam of greenness, although it merely adds freshness and asserts its classicism. I find this fresh and balanced, sporting just the right amount of dryness on the cassis-driven finish that balanced with the fruit, lending it a “breezy” and unassuming character that suits it down to the ground. Enjoy this over the next decade. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting. -- Neal Martin