Clos du Marquis, hailing from the esteemed Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux's Médoc, represents an elegant expression of its terroir in this 2020 vintage. The cuvée, La Petite Marquise, is classically vinified as a dry red wine. Although the blend is likely dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, stylistically you can expect a wine of balance, structure, and freshness, with ripe fruit nuances complemented by refined tannins—a hallmark of Saint-Julien. The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux benefited from a warm yet temperate season, allowing for full fruit maturity, balance, and depth in the resulting wines. Ageing in French oak barrels is traditional for wines of this calibre, contributing subtle spice and complexity.
Saint-Julien is nestled on the left bank of the Gironde and enjoys a temperate oceanic climate tempered by the proximity to the river. The gravelly soils, typical of the Médoc, foster excellent drainage and are particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, while pockets of clay and limestone support Merlot’s plushness. This region is historically celebrated for marrying the power of Pauillac with the elegance of Margaux, often producing wines admired for their harmony and capacity to age gracefully.
For food pairings, this style of Bordeaux red shines alongside classic dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, grilled entrecôte, or traditional confit de canard. The wine’s structure and dark fruit character also complement hard cheeses like Comté or aged cheddar. For a local touch, consider an entrecôte à la bordelaise, prepared with shallots and a red wine sauce, or wild mushroom fricassée.
To enjoy this Clos du Marquis at its best, serve it at 16-18°C in generous glasses to allow the aromas to open. Decanting for an hour before serving can help soften the tannins and reveal the wine’s layered complexity, especially given the youth and vigour of the 2020 vintage. This is a wine with promising aging potential, but already showing beautiful expressiveness for those who wish to discover its charms today.
