Quintus 2014

The 2014 Château Quintus is a small step back from the 2015. Dense purple/plum colored, with terrific notes of currants, cassis, new leather, and toasted spices, this beauty shines on the palate and is medium to full-bodied, seamless, sexy, and ready to go. It’s already hard to resist but will keep for 10-15 years. 2018 - 2033

A pure, focused style, with a core of plum and cassis notes caressed by light floral and tobacco accents. Ends with a chalky thread through the refined finish. Best from 2018 through 2026. 1,500 cases made.

The fruit feels ripe the nose has depth and the start of the palate has the richness of strawberries and red plums. The mid richness is backed by fresher flavours spicy and herbal the finish bright with good length. 2020-32

Only 23% of the production went into the grand vin, to good effect it would appear, because this Domaine Clarence Dillon-owned property hit new heights in 2014. Polished, aromatic and well judged, this has sweetness and ripeness (as well as comparatively high alcohol), but is long and refreshing.

The 2014 Quintus was quite backward and tight-lipped when I tasted it from bottle: broody black cherries and black plum, a touch of clove and fresh mint eventually surfacing. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, a Saint Emilion that caresses and seduces the senses. It is very pure with lovely black cherry, blueberry and white pepper notes, although I would be seeking a little more structure and tension on the finish. It is a wine that goes out to give pleasure, but I hope there is more personality and terroir expression that will develop in the future. Drink Date 2019-2032

The Château Quintus 2014 was picked between 29 September until 8 October and consists of 69% Merlot and 31% Cabernet Franc. It represents 23% of the the total crop that of course, now includes L’Arrosée (three hectares that were unclassified now used for a 3rd label.) It has a candied bouquet, clearly with much more fruit concentration than the deuxième vin: hints of licorice developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, supple tannin, soft and plush in the mouth, a generous Quintus in the making, one with a crowd-pleasing aspect to it without compromising on quality. Drink: 2018 - 2032.

First year that includes L'Arrossée and Quintus together. A wonderful balance and finesse to this wine. Full and refined with dark berries, wet earth and stones. Extremely long and lively. Muscular.