Quinault l'Enclos 2020

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

The 2020 Quinault L'Enclos is a gorgeous, deeply pitched Saint-Émilion. Rose petal, mint, dried herbs and sweet red berry fruit all grace this wonderfully layered, nuanced Saint-Émilion. Pure and nuanced, with terrific energy, Quinault has a ton to offer. In 2020, the Cabernets (15% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc) are super-expressive. There is just a bit of youthful austerity that needs time to soften.

Score: 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2035 Date: 23 February 2023

Loaded with energy and grip, majoring on black pepper, damson and black cherry fruit. The tannins remain austere at this point, pretty serious and closed down, with waves of espresso and violet promising more to come over the next decade. Pierre Lurton director of this 19ha estate, Pierre-Olivier Clouet technical director. Harvest September 3 to 23, an upscore from En Primeur.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2024-2038 Date: 15 February 2023

Managing tannins is one of the lines that needed walking in 2020, and the warmer soils of Quinault compared to Cheval needed particular care. You find some traces of the solar nature of the summer on the nose, with eucalyptus, black pepper and rosemary spice, but there is freshness on the palate, well balanced and with density to the blackberry and black cherry fruits, finishing up with again the eucalyptus that is found in the aromatics, and a generous kick of spice. This is tightly structured, it is expertly handled but I would suggest looking to the 2019. Harvest September 3 to 23. 10 days over 30°C during that time.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024 - 2036 Date: 19 May 2021

The 2020 Quinault L'Enclos, which was cropped at 20hL/ha, has a slightly muted bouquet with blackberry, bilberry and a light saline influence. The palate is medium-bodied with a little rigidity on the entry, compact with sharp acidity. For me, it is missing some charm and flesh on the finish. So-so.

Score: 87 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2024-2032 Date: 08 February 2023

The 2020 Quinault L’Enclos contains no Cabernet Sauvignon this year due to mildew. It has an intense bouquet of black cherries, blueberry and crushed iris flower. The oak is neatly enmeshed and feels delineated and tensile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannins, and lightly spiced, with white pepper and sage seasoning the black fruit. Quite structured and powerful on the finish, this is a long-term Saint-Émilion that will benefit from several years in the cellar.

Score: 92 - 94 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2028 - 2050 Date: 01 May 2021

78% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Supple and round with plenty of charm. Vineyard-fresh fruit on the nose then medium-bodied weight and structure with just enough depth to give it a serious edge. (JL)

Score: - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2025 - 2032 Date: 26 April 2021