Château Quinault l'Enclos 2017

There was no frost here. Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Quinault l'Enclos delivers expressive scents of mulberries, baked plums and boysenberries with hints of tar, licorice and chargrill. Medium-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of chewy tannins and lively acidity framing the elegant black fruit and savory layers, finishing on an earthy note.

Bright savory and tobacco leaf notes jump to the fore, while the core of red and black currant preserves unwinds slowly. Fine chalky minerality harnesses everything through the finish, leaving a mouthwatering feel. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2030.

This is a success for an estate that has now seen ten years under the stewardship of Cheval Blanc, undergoing lots of replanting and reworking of the vineyards, as well as changing the way they work in the cellar. There was no frost here thanks to their proximity to the town of Libourne. The vines are on gravelly soils from the river bed, as on the Pomerol plateau, and the lack of water over the summer meant the Cabernet Sauvignon did better than the Cabernet Franc. There is still the slightest dip of savoury fruit, reflecting the vintage conditions, but this is coupled with a freshness and juiciness that I really like, alongside touches of florality and some clean redcurrant, raspberry and brambled fruits. The tannins are fine and the acidity is good without being sharp. Matured in 500l casks, 50% new, for 12 months.

This shows beauty and balance for the vintage with delicious crushed-berry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. One of the best QEs in a long time. Drink after 2022.

Bottled at the beginning of April, the 2017 Quinault l’Enclos suffered no frost damage due to its urban proximity. It has a slightly muted nose that may be due to some bottle shock. The palate is firm on the entry with broody black fruit tinged with Japanese nori, light marine scents. It does not quite "flow" like other vintages I have tasted. A Saint-Émilion that is in a bit of a "mood" at the time of my tasting. Let’s see how it evolves in bottle.

Licorice, coffee bean, espresso, cocoa and fresh kirsch form the core of the wine. Medium-bodied and bright but still a bit oaky, there is enough fruit to bring it all together with three to five years in the bottle.

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening, fine floral nuances, ripe cherries, notes of precious wood, candied purple fruits in the background. Full-bodied, fine nougat, mineral texture, savoury tannins, delicate overripeness on the finish, a chocolatey food companion.

The quality here continues to soar, and the 2017 Chateau Quinault L'Enclos is flat-out great. Offering loads of currants, tobacco, and gravelly earth, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a gorgeous texture, ripe, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. It shows the more elegant style of the vintage, yet it has more texture and opulence than most, and while it’s already hard to resist, it’s going to shine for 15–20 years.

Garnet ruby. Delicate red-berry contours with fresh lingonberries and rosewood, followed by red currants and juniper. Mid-palate shows supportive tannins and a finely sandy extract. An elegant, finely aromatic finish with a red-berry aftertaste.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (62% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon) Floral, sweet, delicately vegetal bouquet, morello cherries, blackcurrants, fine green notes, green herbs. Silky, medium-bodied palate with good core, sweet fruit, light structure, finely sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, light finish.

(62% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon) Floral, sweet, delicately vegetal bouquet, sour cherries, blackcurrants, fine green notes, green herbs. Silky, medium-bodied palate with a solid core, sweet fruit, light structure, fine sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, light finish. 17/20 2022 - 2035

A blend of 62% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Quinault L’Enclos has a deep garnet color, with a touch of purple. It sashays out with floral notions of roses and lavender over a core of kirsch, black raspberries, and boysenberries, plus wafts of fallen leaves and fragrant soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is light on its feet and refreshing with chewy tannins and wonderful purity on the finish.

Saved from frost by the warmth of the urban area, more velvety and expressive, it is energized by the freshness of Cabernet.

Supported by a dense, firm tannic structure, the wine reveals notes of sweet spices, black berries, and coffee. The finish is long and mouthwatering.

The vines at Quinault were not affected by frost in 2017. Temperatures there were, on average, two degrees higher than the norm. In July and August the weather was warm and, above all, dry. The late season was rather cool, which is positive for aromatic expression. On the nose, the wine is inviting, showing notes of licorice wood, black berries, and juniper. Creamy, fruity character on the palate. Beautiful, well-polished tannic structure and a refreshing frame. A gourmet, crunchy Quinault.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. A very aromatic nose with pure, ripe fruit. Subtle overall. Delicate on the attack and finely velvety mid-palate, the wine develops with gentle structure throughout. It finishes finely sappy, fragrant, and impossible to spit. A highly pleasurable note.

Refined and tender, with hints of iron grime and red fruits; a slender profile with a creamy touch to tie it all together.

90–92. Barrel Sample. This soft, ripe wine has generous black-fruit flavors and fine acidity. The palate is juicy, with dense fruit and chocolate tones framed by light tannins. There is a crisp, fresh finish, which gives the wine a fine lift.