Appellations

Quinault l'Enclos 2016

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

The 2016 Quinault L'Enclos is very pretty and also intensely aromatic. Savory herb, mint, dried cherry, mocha and sweet tobacco are all lifted in this super-precise, nuanced Saint-Émilion. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2016 is precise, nuanced and exquisitely beautiful, all in the understated style that is typical here.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2019-2028 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Quinault L'Enclos is soft, gentle and inviting. Succulent red cherry, plum, rose petal and spice accents give the wine a lovely sense of floral lift. The Cabernet Franc is quite expressive at this early stage. Silky tannins add to an overall impression of grace and finesse.

Score: 88 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 25 April 2017

The 2016 Quinault L’Enclos continues the estate's policy of increasing the Cabernet Sauvignon (now at 20%). It has a refined bouquet with graphite and light cedar aromas emanating from that Cabernet, the oak taking a backseat since it is entirely aged in 500-liter barrels. The classically styled palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and a fresh line of acidity. The precise yet not powerful finish prioritizes detail over length and grip. Enjoy over the next 12 to 15 years.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2035 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Quinault l'Enclos is a blend of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 68% Merlot, continuing the team's program of increasing the proportion of Cabernet, picked from 20 September and finishing on 7 October. It is matured in 50% new oak (500-liter barrels) and one-year-old barrels. It has a very pure bouquet with macerated black cherries, a touch of blueberry, a subtle flinty note just tucked underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin on the entry. This feels very fresh and lively in the mouth, perhaps a little more compact than others I tasted, although that is probably because it had been taken from barrel less than an hour before my visit. It is very precise on the brisk, punctual graphite-tinged finish, an almost clinical Quinault l'Enclos that will benefit from five or six year aging in bottle.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2023-2045 Date: 28 April 2017

68% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby with an attractive fresh fruit nose of raspberries and cassis with a hint of liquorice and earth. Round with good density and sweetly ripe fruit wrapped in a supple texture. Touch of almond on the finish.

Score: 92 - 95 Albany Vintners, - Date: 19 April 2017

Cheval Blanc, the new owners, are increasing the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. 20% Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2011, 12% Cabernet Franc, 68% Merlot. 50:50 new and one-year-old barrels. 500 litre (new approach at Cheval Blanc). Round and very fruity with some spice and cumin. Much better balanced than it used to be when aged in new oak and heavily extracted, though some sandpaper tannins on the end. Just a little bitter on the end.

Score: 16 - 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2023-2035 Date: 13 April 2017

A very fine bead of tannin runs through the entirety of this wine. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a juicy finish. Polished. Straight and firm.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 04 April 2017