Appellation | Pessac Léognan

Grape | 60% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon et 2% de Cabernet Franc

Ageing | In new barrels (50%) on fine lees, 15 to 18 months.

Tasting Notes | The 2014 Clos Marsalette offers up an intriguing combination of super-ripe red stone fruit and expressive floral notes. Today, the 2014 is especially racy and a bit more overtly ripe than it was from barrel. Sweet herbs, tobacco, rose petal, mint and anise add lift to the creamy, inviting finish. Tasted two times. 

Pairing | Grilled lamb, white and red meat. A nice beef stew is highly recommended.

Drinking | Now until 2028. It's at it's best now. It's a great example on what a Bordeaux taste like when it's at it's peak. 

Critic Notes / Awards | Vert de vin 93/100, Wine Spectator 91/100, Jeff Leve 90/100 

ABOUT THE CHÂTEAU

Clos Marsalette, which is located in Martillac in the Pessac Léognan appellation area, is owned by Stephan von Neipperg (Château Canon La Gaffelière in Saint-Emilion) and Didier Miqueu (Château Soleil in Puisseguin and Le Rival in Lussac) . This vineyard is divided into almost 6 ha of red grape varieties (35% Merlot, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) and 1 ha of white grape varieties (50% Sauvignon and 50% Sémillon).

Unproductive rootstocks, rigorously controlled pruning, green work allow natural control of yields. The harvest, manual, is sorted in the vineyard and the cellar. The vinification, traditional, is done in wooden and concrete vats of small volume and thermoregulated for the reds, in stainless steel vats for the whites.

Current Owner: Stephan von Neipperg

Soils: Gravel 

Farming: Hand harvested using crates for transportation. Double sorting before and after destemming. No treading. Arrival of the harvest by conveyor belt.

Vines: 20 years