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.

The vineyard, across the road from Léoville-las-Cases and under the same ownership, is producing grand wines. This latest release has a powerful structure, dense fruits and layers of tannins. Black fruits and dark chocolate contrast with the freshness at the end. A wine to age, this should be just approaching drinkability by 2027.

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.

The 2018 Clos du Marquis is so expressive, and frankly, delicious. In 2018 there is a bit more richness than typical, but that is 2018. A rush of inky dark fruit, graphite, lavender, spice, crushed rocks and smoke all race out of the glass. All the elements are so impeccably balanced. The 2018 spent 16 months on French oak, 55% new. It is one of the hidden gems in this vintage. I would give it a few years to soften, as the tannins are imposing.

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. The wine has 14.5% alcohol and was aged in 55% new barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it strolls confidently out of the glass with notes of warm cassis, ripe black plums and boysenberries and hints of underbrush, cedar chest, graphite and black olives plus a touch of baking spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy blackberry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long with an invigorating burst.