Château Quinault l'Enclos Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2019

 

“Located right in the heart of Libourne, this estate was acquired in 2008 by the former shareholders of Château Cheval Blanc, Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère. Pierre-Olivier Clouet, a close associate of Pierre Lurton, took over its management with the goal of revitalizing an old vineyard that is now fully cultivated. A naturally refined wine, grown on light gravel soils, that “proves to be more complex than one might imagine,” explains its director.”

It has linear, very delicate tannins that give it a mineral character and a long finish. Dark fruit with hints of lavender and violet. Very fresh acidity. Flavorful and refined.

A rich, fruity, generous, and summery wine, with a lighter smoky nuance than before for this “little brother” of Cheval Blanc, which has gained in precision this year. On the palate, too, we find that smoky character so characteristic of Quinault in notes of tea-smoked duck breast, along with hints of spices, cinnamon, and star anise. The palate, with its silky texture, flows beautifully. It concludes with a soft, voluptuous finish, like a long trail of velvet fading away behind the trees.

The intense aroma of Quinaut l’Enclos hints at an extraordinary wine. It displays a vibrant freshness with notes of red berries and mint. This freshness is also ever-present on the palate. The wine is juicy, with fairly firm yet well-integrated tannins. A wonderful success from Quinault!

Dark, intense, and slightly mature in color. The nose is very aromatic and quite subtle, blending creamy and southern notes. On the palate, this 2019 proves to be one of the most meticulously textured wines I know. It has a refined mouthfeel, a slender, melt-in-the-mouth body, and is full of charm.

The nose is fruity, fresh, and crisp, offering purity and a touch of complexity. It features notes of juicy blackberry, blackcurrant, and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of lilac, ripe black berries, and a hint of nutmeg. On the palate, it is fruity, balanced, and offers juiciness, lovely freshness, minerality, salinity, nice definition, and a beautiful savory quality. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of blackberry, plump and fresh blackcurrant, juicy raspberry, and, to a lesser extent, fleshy blue berries, combined with hints of nutmeg and hazelnut, as well as subtle hints of pleasant bitterness, cocoa, and fresh flowers. The tannins are precise and elegant. Good length. There’s a lovely, subtle varietal character that adds vibrancy and energy to the finish and aftertaste.

Aromas of flowers, violets, lilacs, and fresh fruit create a delicate, fresh bouquet. On the palate, it offers tension, liveliness, and a vibrant texture with depth and a certain elegance, particularly in the perfectly integrated tannins. What freshness!