Clos du Marquis Saint-Julien 2005

94/100 - The 2005 Clos Du Marquis is terrific, offering both red and black fruits as well as lively minty herbs, chocolate, and gravelly earth-like nuances. Still relatively youthful (2204) and I’d wager in the early stages of its prime drinking window, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, and fine, polished, integrated tannins. It’s a beautiful, classic expression of the estate that will evolve for another two decades. - Jeb Dunnuck 

93/100 - The Clos du Marquis 2005 is evolving into a little beauty. It has an opulent, downright sexy bouquet with macerated dark cherries, briary, mint interlaced with candied orange peel that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with sturdy tannin cloaked in spicy red fruit, hints of red peppercorns and graphite infusing the finish that fans out gloriously. Yet everything remains tightly controlled thanks to the tight rein on acidity. Cannot afford Léoville Las-Cases? Then you know where to come. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

92/100 - Those dream conditions of 2005 have given a wine that's supple and approachable. The tannins have relaxed and there's a sense of breathing between the lines of dark fruit, liquorice and pepper. It's a gorgeous moment to drink this - it's still young, with firm, brambly fruits but the structure is open, softly textured and welcoming. Rich, impressive and extremely drinkable. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. - Jane Anson, Decanter

91/100 - The 2005 Clos du Marquis is in a very attractive place today (2021). Time has softened the tannins nicely, allowing the wine's radiant personality to really shine.  Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and dried cherry are all laced together in this expressive Saint-Julien. There is a bit of rusticity here, but all the elements are well balanced just the same. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

17/20 - Very bright crimson. Energetic bright fruit with lovely suppleness and almost electric impact. Sweet start and lots of chew but still great vibrancy. Very nice wine on its own account – no suggestion of sweeping up the leftovers (this is the second wine of Léoville Las Cases). Silky and winning yet very compact and dense. Lots of tannin but not a heavyweight. - Jancis Robinson MW