Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | 75cl
£37.95
/
£227.70
£216.32 case
ABV: 15.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Saint-Émilion
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Quintus has a history that dates back to the earliest days of Saint Emilion and the two estates that now make up the newly formed Château Quintus have in the past enjoyed a similar renown. Both vineyards were cited as Saint-Emilion First Growths between 1868 and 1949 (Cocks et Féret) and were also among the finest estates to earn the Gold Medal for Saint-Emilion in the Exposition Universelle de Paris of 1867.
Quintus has an exceptional biodiversity that will be maintained and encouraged, including an oak wood, a copse of poplar trees and acacias, and a willow grove in the beautiful park that surrounds the main house.
The inspiration for the name 'Dragon de Quintus' came from the vineyard’s privileged location on a promontory at the edge of the Saint-Emilion plateau, as well as from the history of the watchtower built there to defend the village.
In Western mythology, the dragon is represented as a very intelligent creature, usually the guardian of a priceless treasure benefitting from exceptional sight. This symbol of the keeper and protector of a magic terroir, observing this boundless panorama, is how we came to personify the second wine of Château Quintus.
Blend: Merlot: 84,7% ; Cabernet Franc: 15,3 %, Alcohol: 15.5%
A beautiful dark, purple colour. The wine presents a powerful, fruity first nose, whereas after swirling woody, vanilla-scented hints mingle with aromas of ripe black fruit. A spicy note follows and gives lovely complexity. The first taste is supple and silky, then the wine progresses on a delicate, tightly-knit texture of tannin. The sensation of fleshiness persists, flavours of fruit combine with woody notes and make the wine very charming. Without being as concentrated as its elder brother, this Dragon is particularly delicious and pleasant.
THE WINE ADVOCATE (90 - 92) points
Drink Date: 2023 - 2038
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue Date: 20th May 2021, Source: May 2021 Week 3, The Wine Advocate
"Composed of 84.7% Merlot and 15.3% Cabernet Franc, while possessing an alcohol of 15.2%, the 2020 le Dragon de Quintus has a deep garnet-purple color and notions of plum preserves, kirsch, black raspberries and cinnamon toast, plus hints of mossy tree bark and incense. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy black and red berries, supported by soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and spicy."
JAMES SUCKLING 92-93 Points
28 Apr, 2021 – "A soft, round red with blackberry, chocolate and hints of spice and cedar. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins and a juicy finish."
DECANTER 89 points
Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
"A fleshy, powerful, black cherry and damson filled Dragon. The high alcohols are just about matched by the depth of fruit but it brings things to a slightly abrupt finish, with an emphasis on some bitter grilled cumin spice. The harvest began on 11th September for the Merlot grapes and on 23rd September for the Cabernet Franc. Drinking Window 2024 - 2036."
JANCIS ROBINSON 16 points
Drink: 2023 - 2029
Full bottle 1,340 g. Cask sample taken 13 April. Nice and fresh!
"Mid crimson with a pale rim. Light but warm, fully ripe impression on the nose. And a little marked acidity on the finish. The overall palate impression is not as rich as many of the 2020 St-Émilions I have been tasting, but then this is the first second wine I have tasted from the appellation in this vintage. Just a little stringy on the end."