2018 Le Dragon de Quintus
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Fresh, lively nose and a complete wine at last. Best wine of the flight. Fruity and long. (JR)
Critic scores
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Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus has calmed down since I tasted it in barrel, now much more refined, with pretty and very pure black cherry and boysenberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly powdery texture, touches of graphite infusing the black fruit that imparts a Left Bank personality. Not persistent, but quite strict and linear. This will drink well over the next 8–10 years. Classy.
The 2018 Le Dragon De Quintus is the second wine of Château Quintus and it's a mix of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. (I wasn't given the exact blend.) Deep ruby/purple-hued, with ample black cherry and mulberry fruit intermixed with notes of damp earth, chocolate, and tobacco, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a rounded, supple texture, ripe tannins, and plenty of length on the finish. It's already drinking beautifully and should evolve nicely for a decade.
About the producer
Ch. Quintus is the flagship Saint-Emilion estate of Domaine Clarence Dillon (owners of Ch. Haut-Brion and Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion). Following the purchase of Ch. Tertre Daugay in 2011 and Ch. l’Arrosée in 2013, the two were merged to form Ch. Quintus. The first vintage of the wine was 2011.