Quintus 2016

The sixth vintage under the wing of Haut-Brion. The vines didn't block in the heat here, which is why the alcohols are generous, but this is absolutely perfectly balanced. The generosity of the ripe blackberry and cassis fruit stretches out with the juice running right through it, joined by some exotic spice and grilled oak touches through the mid-palate. But they never overwhelm the gentle extraction, and overall this is an extremely successful Quintus that leaves a beautifully fragrant quality in the mouth. 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.Drinking Window 2027 - 2050

Dark purplish crimson. Silky and appetising and now it's getting really good! Fresh and zesty. Polished and very successful in this sixth vintage. Appetising and sophisticated. Croquant. Long. Spicy.Drink 2024-2040

The fruit is sweet and ripe the nose has depth the palate a rich mix of red and black fruits. Integrated tannins the start of the palate is supple and fleshy lighter in the middle bilberry freshness with sweet fruit giving fleshy richness on the finish. 2026-38

Made by the team at Haut-Brion since 2010, this has now established itself as a top St Emilion, as you’d expect. It’s quite a ripe, late picked style, but it doesn’t show its 15% alcohol, thanks to the acidity and leafy vibrancy of the Cabernet Franc. 2023-29

Ripe damson-plum fruit and generous richness make this youthful, high-end St.-Emilion surprisingly easy to drink right now. Underneath the sensual exterior is a serious structure and that becomes ever more obvious as it rolls over the palate. Very long finish that has a certain sweetness, but remains so elegant. Drink or hold. Château Quintus vertical tasting. SP.

The 2016 Quintus is endowed with a vivid bouquet of red cherries, raspberry preserve, orange zest and touches of blue fruit that become more evident with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. Rounded and supple in the mouth, revealing succulent red cherry and strawberry notes toward the caressing finish. Excellent. Drink 2021-2035

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. Drink Date 2022 - 2040

A tight and concentrated young Quintus with blackberry, blueberry and salt character. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and lightly chewy. Grows on the finish.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Saint-Emilion features expressive notions of warm blackberries, black cherry compote and baked plums with hints of tobacco leaf, wild sage and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate has a great intensity of black fruits and wonderfully plush tannins with a compelling savoriness to the finish.