2011 Chateau Clos Marsalette Pessac-Leognan

Wine Spectactor (WS)

Offers a bold, sappy core of kirsch, crushed plum and violet, along with lively anise and blackberry coulis hints. A tarry flash highlights the finish, with fresh acidity rippling underneath. Best from 2016 through 2026. –JM

Wine Advocate (WA)

The Graves face of the famous Comtes de Neipperg, the beautiful, deep plum/ruby-colored 2011 Clos Marsalette boasts exotic, rich, black cherry, incense, Asian spice, licorice, Christmas fruitcake and baking spice-like notes. There is not a hard edge to be found in this opulent, fleshy, complex, rich Pessac-Leognan. A big-time sleeper of the vintage, this medium-bodied, exuberant wine can be drunk over the next 10-15 years. Neipperg and his team hit a home run with Clos Marsalette in 2011.