1998 Clos du Marquis
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Clos du Marquis, a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, had a rather dusty, slightly earthy bouquet that is very bucolic when compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin, a little smudged compared to others, fleshy with mushroom-tinged red fruit, sage and black pepper. It is just missing the backbone that one takes for granted nowadays. This is a wine that I think would have been better consumed a decade ago. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A superb effort, the 1998 exhibits abundant quantities of black currant and cherry fruit subtley dosed with toasty oak. A medium to full-bodied, nicely-textured, pure effort, with a moderately tannic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2014.
Currant and fresh herb aromas follow through to a medium body, with soft tannins and a polished, textured finish with hints of vanilla and berries.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009
A superb effort, the 1998 exhibits abundant quantities of black currant and cherry fruit subtley dosed with toasty oak. A medium to full-bodied, nicely-textured, pure effort, with a moderately tannic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2014. Apr 2001, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
One of the leading estates in Bordeaux, Ch. Léoville Las Cases is one of the largest and oldest Classed Growths in the Médoc. Along with Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou, it is widely considered one of the best estates in Saint-Julien.