Clos Marsalette Pessac-Léognan 2015 (750ml)

 

Rated 92 Points by James Suckling

 

A full-bodied red with blackberries, chocolate, spices and earth.  Soft and layered tannins. Flavorful finish.  So juicy and beautiful.  Drink in 2020.  (2/2018)

 

Rated 92 Points by Vinous

 

The 2015 Clos Marsalette is rich, powerful and authoritative, just as it was from barrel.  Black cherry, smoke, rose petal, menthol, licorice and savory herbs fill out the wine's ample frame effortlessly, but there is good energy to back things up.  Time in the glass brings out the 2015's aromatic dimension.  Clos Marsalette is arguably the most extroverted, flamboyant wine in Pessac-Léognan.  Tasted two times.  (AG)  (2/2018)

 

Rated 91 Points by Jeb Dunnuck

 

As to the red, the 2015 Clos Marsalette is close to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 40% new barrels.  This beauty offers excellent purity and freshness, as well as a sexy, supple, forward, fruit-loaded style that makes it a joy to drink.  Black cherries, lavender, violets, and hints of bay leaf all emerge from the glass, and despite its upfront sex appeal, it’s going to keep for a decade.  (11/2017)

 

Rated 91 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Fresh, ripe and polished, featuring cassis and plum fruit flowing through over a bright mineral edge.  Light sanguine and violet notes gild the finish, with the fruit lingering prettily.  Very pure.  Drink now through 2027.  (JM)  (1/2018)

 

Rated 88-90 Points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

The 2015 Clos Marsalette (Rouge) is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc picked between September 21 and October 5 at 42 hectoliters per hectare.  Matured in 40% new oak barrels, it has a correct, tightly wound bouquet, blackcurrant with just a touch of wilted violet.  I like the definition here, but it is holding its breath in at the moment.  The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin.  You could almost slip this down the throat now: silky smooth, just a light grip with fine tannin on the finish.  It has an easy-drinking sensibility, though that does not mean it was not thoughtfully crafted.  Enjoy this Pessac-Léognan over 5-7 years.  (NM)  (4/2016)

 

Clos Marsalette Pessac-Leognan Rouge 2015

 

Composition:  2% Cabernet Franc, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot

 

Estate

 

Located in Martillac, in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Clos Marsalette is jointly owned by Count Stephan von Neipperg and Didier Miqueu.  This vineyard sits magnificently on gravelly soils deposited long ago by the Garonne.  Offering a great diversity, the subsoil is composed of marine sediment from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs (5 to 15 million years ago) in the form of shelly sand with a bit of clay, fawn-colored sand, and multi-colored clay.  Clos Marsalette's vineyard which covers an area of 12.30 hectares (for the red wine) plus 1.30 hectares (for the white wine) is also looked after expertly in order to produce a wine reflecting the typicity of this Terroir.

 

Winemaking philosophy

 

After harvest the grapes are not crushed.  They go directly into vat via gravity flow and fruit from each plot is kept separate.  The grapes are not crushed.  They go directly into vat via gravity flow and fruit from each plot is kept separate.  It was decided to implement pneumatic pigeage (punching down the cap) as long ago as 1997.  This method is propitious to smooth, even, homogeneous extraction to express the best that the fruit has to offer, and is always modulated in keeping with vintage character.  Wine from different plots is kept separate during ageing on the lees and receives individual attention.  Barrels are carefully selected to complement rather than overwhelm the wine's intrinsic fruitiness.  The final blend is only made after an average 18 months of barrel ageing.

 

Vineyard

 

Terroir:  Gravel.

Vineyard area currently in production:  12.30 hectares (red), 1.30 hectares (white).

Grape varieties (red):  50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc.

Grape varieties (white):  65% Sauvignon, 35% Semillon.

Average age of the vines:  20 years.

 

Vinification

 

Harvesting:  By hand, into small crates to avoid bruising.

Sorting:  Before and after destemming.

No crushing.  The grapes arrive on a conveyor belt.

Fermentation (red):  In temperature-controlled wooden and concrete vats.

Fermentation (white):  In temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.

 

Ageing (red):  In new oak barrels (50%) on fine lees, for 15 to 18 months.

Ageing (white):  In oak barrels (30% new) and stainless steel vats on fine lees, for 6 to 9 months.

 

 

Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg

 

Members of the Franconian aristocracy with a long political and agricultural tradition, the Counts von Neipperg family line can be traced back to the 12th century.  Representing some eight centuries of winegrowing and winemaking experience, today Count Stephan von Neipperg manages the 9 family-owned estates, 4 of which are in Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux: Château Canon La Gaffelière, La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, Château Peyreau.

 

Comtes Von Neipperg is a noble family of the Holy Roman Empire that since the 12th century had interest in vineyards and winemaking in the German region of Wurttemberg.  In 1971 Joseph-Hubert Von Neipperg purchases 4 domaines in Saint-Emilion: Château Canon La Gaffelière, La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, Château Peyreau.  In 1982 Stephan Von Neipperg and his wife Sigweis settled at Canon La Gaffeliere after their marriage to take over the management of Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg.

 

In addition to their Saint-Emilion properties they additionally own Chateau Guiraud in Sauternes, Capaia in South Africa and Bessa Valley in Bulgaria.

 

Each château has its own specific terroirs and although they share similar viticultural and winemaking methods, the terroir comes through in the wine each time.  Canon La Gaffelière is famous for its complexity and elegance, whereas power and minerality are the bywords for La Mondotte.  Starting in the 1990s, the oldest vines in the von Neipperg vineyards have been propagated by mass selection to preserve a high-quality genetic heritage and guarantee total independence when replanting.  This is a major effort on behalf of future generations.

 

The various elements that make up terroir are considered a living entity worth preserving.  This is why natural methods – green cover, composting, and planting of hedges – are used to protect the ecosystem and to produce unique wines reflecting their origin.  Dating from 1988, this deep ecological commitment is constantly revised and updated to enhance the environment and biodiversity.  Many years of effort culminated in obtaining an organic certification for Château Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte in 2014.  In addition, both estates are now ISO 14001 certified.

 

 

Rated 91 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Fresh, ripe and polished, featuring cassis and plum fruit flowing through over a bright mineral edge.  Light sanguine and violet notes gild the finish, with the fruit lingering prettily.  Very pure.  Drink now through 2027.  (JM)  (1/2018)