Chateau Quintus 2016

A precise Chateau Quintus 2016

The great summer drought of 2016 finally disappeared with the rainy season in mid-September. The rain helped the grapes through the finals step of maturation. Harvest in Saint-Emilion occurred in October without any interruptions. Chateau Quintus 2016 is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Quintus 2016 has a mature and powerful nose, that is not excessive. This Saint-Emilion is dominated by its fruitiness. The attack is delicate and silky. The wine expands and develops with finesse. After a wonderful 2015 vintage, 2016 is fresh and well-structured. 2016 has exceeded all exceptions, thanks to the unique terroir.

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2016 Chateau Quintus, of course under the umbrella of Domaine Clarence Dillon (Haut Brion, La Mission Haut Brion), is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc picked between 3 and 20 October. This is the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc since the debut in 2011. Matured in just under 30% new oak, it has a slightly broody bouquet at first with black fruit and hints of allspice and clove. The palate is nicely structured, with the Cabernet Franc lending this impressive backbone (more than the 2015) and a slightly masculine, grippy finish that suggests it will be a long-term proposition. Excellent.