A rich and smooth Saint-Emilion wine
The estate
Château Quintus was born from the union of the Château Tertre Daugay and Château L’Arrosée terroirs, respectively acquired by the family company Domaine Clarence Dillon in 2011 and in 2013. Château Quintus is thus the fifth property of the Domaine Clarence Dillon group, alongside Châteaux Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. The estate takes its name from the Gallo-Roman tradition of naming one's fifth child Quintus.
The vineyard
Château Quintus produces Saint-Emilion wines from a 42-hectare vineyard that enjoys a unique mosaic of terroirs. Aged 30 years on average, the vines are planted on a plateau upon a succession of south-facing limestone layers, as well as on south-facing clay-limestone and gravelly soils at the north of the estate.
The vintage
Wet and stormy spring conditions slowed down the vegetative growth stage. Subsequently, the mild temperatures throughout June and the summer favoured an even flowering and veraison period. The Indian summer in September ensured an optimal ripening of the grapes until the harvest.
Vinification and ageing
Aged in barrels (38% new).
The blend
Merlot (72.3%)
Cabernet Franc (27.7%).
Château Quintus 2018: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
Colour
The colour is dark and intense.
Nose
The rich and complex nose gives off delicious fruity (red and black fruits) and woody fragrances.
Palate
The attack harmoniously blends power and finesse and precedes an enfolding palate whose fruity structure weaves into a persistent and aromatic finish.
Composed of 72.3% Merlot and 27.7% Cabernet Franc, harvested September 20 to October 8, the 2018 Quintus is deep purple-black in color and rolls sensuously out of the glass with very pure, perfumed notes of lilacs, lavender, plum preserves and chocolate-covered cherries giving way to notes of spice cake, cardamom, fenugreek and fragrant soil plus a touch of unsmoked cigars. The full, rich, seductive palate provides layer upon layer of perfumed black fruits and spicy nuances with a firm yet soft frame and oodles of freshness to lift the long finish. Beautifully done.