Clos du Marquis 2018 (750ML)

92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Clos du Marquis is composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, with 13% press wine added back to the blend. Grapes were harvested September 18 to October 10, with yields of 35.5 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine has 14.5% alcohol. It will be aged in barriques, 55% new. The finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep purple-black in color, it displays flamboyant scents of kirsch, crushed black cherries and warm cassis with hints of cinnamon stick, underbrush and chocolate box plus a waft of sandalwood. Full-bodied and built like a brick house with firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular fruit, it finishes long and spicy." 4/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Clos du Marquis is consistent with my tasting note from barrel. It has a perfumed, camphor-tinged bouquet featuring plenty of brambly red fruit, and maybe just a hint of dark chocolate loitering in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite saline in the mouth with fine depth. It is not the most complex Clos du Marquis that I have tasted, but I appreciate the persistent black pepper aftertaste, which is quite Pauillac in style. Very fine." 03/21

96 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Dark fruit and blueberries with rosemary, tobacco and incense undertones on the nose. Very St.-Julien and classic in style and character. It’s full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. The palate is savory and balanced, leading to a long, flavorful finish. Very beautiful, refined fruit character to this with focus and polish. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 6% cabernet franc. Try after 2025." 01/21

94 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Pure and expressive, with beautiful aromas of violet, warm cassis and fresh cherries leading into a mix of plum sauce and blackberry preserve flavors carried by a well-imbedded graphite spine. Subtle kiss of sweet bay at the very end. Lovely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2038. 3,750 cases made." 03/21

95+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Clos Du Marquis offers a brilliant nose of ripe black cherries, smoked tobacco, cedar pencil, and violet-laced aromas. These carry to a full-bodied, rich, concentrated 2018 with plenty of background oak, a juicy spine of acidity, rock star levels of concentration and mid-palate depth, and ripe, silky tannins. Given its tannins and acidity, it's not for those seeking instant gratification, and a solid decade of cellaring is going to be warranted." 03/21