2005 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Clos du Marquis Saint-Julien Magnum (1.5 L) Magnum

Perfectly cellared Bordeaux, Sized to Share.

As soon as we popped the cork on our sample magnum of the 2005 Chateau Leoville Las Cases “Clos du Marquis,” and began pouring it out among the team, the room filled with the unmistakable aromas of perfectly aged Bordeaux. Black currants, cherries, earth, and more perfumed the air, ultimately evolving into ambrosial aromas of tobacco and crushed violets. But it was when we took our collective first sip that the room fell silent: The chewy tannins, the silky texture, the impeccably mature black cherry, and toasty oak notes—we were reduced to little more than knowing smiles, raised eyebrows, and thoughts of how each one of us could possibly sneak the magnum home, camouflaged under a jacket, to be savored and cherished.

Robert Parker called Clos du Marquis “one of the finest second wines being made in Bordeaux,” and Wine Advocate said that the 2005 Clos du Marquis is “dense, chewy, fleshy, and full-bodied,” reflecting “the utter brilliance of the 2005 grand vin.” Wine Spectator gushed about its “fabulous aromas of crushed raspberry, blackberry, mineral, and licorice [that] follow through to a full-bodied palate.” They concluded that it was “balanced and powerful.” It still is.

The classic vintages of Bordeaux are among the most coveted wines in the world. Even the mere mention of the years—’61, ’82, ’90, ’05—sends shivers of excitement up the spines of wine lovers. The only problem is that they’re often priced into the stratosphere, and the best of them can take decades to reach their peak of maturity. This is what makes this 2005 Château Léoville Las Cases Clos du Marquis so exciting: It simply has everything going for it. And the fact that it’s in magnum is nothing short of stunning.

The 2005 Clos du Marquis borders on 2nd Growth prestige—which the Château Léoville Las Cases grand vin was ranked in 1855—in more ways than one. Unlike most “second wines,” Clos du Marquis is culled entirely from its own designated vineyards, located atop prime Saint-Julien terroir—directly next door to Second Growths Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, and Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Crafted from the traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, the 2005 embodies balance and elegance, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or power.

Today, all these years later, this wine has more than lived up to its early potential. The 2005 Château Léoville Las Cases Clos du Marquis demonstrates a level of depth, complexity, and feeling that can only result from extra innings in a cool, dark cellar. It’s magnificent right now, though it could certainly age for years longer if you have room in the cellar. We recommend popping the cork, pouring with generosity, and watching the eyes of your guests go wide with amazement.