Dragon de Quintus 2020

Interesting maturation spice, herbal notes; fiery yet also racy, with supple tannins; do not let it age too long.

A fleshy, powerful Dragon packed with black cherry and damson. The high alcohol is just about matched by the depth of fruit, but it leads to a slightly abrupt finish, with an emphasis on some bitter grilled cumin spice. Harvest began on September 11 for the Merlot grapes and on September 23 for the Cabernet Franc.

Fresh, soft, supple, sweet, and vibrant, you can sense the minerality on the palate, which adds complexity and verve to all the ripe, polished dark and red fruits and spice. Drink from 2023–2031.

Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, slight brightening at the rim. Fresh black sweet cherry, a hint of plum, fine nougat, floral nuances. Juicy, elegant, ripe cherry, good balance, freshly structured, ripe tannins, good length and ageing potential.

A mild oak hint with floral notes, wild berries, and mild spice. Medium weight in a slightly restrained style with grippy tannin and a fairly long finish.

Mineral, light, fresh bouquet, red berries, licorice, a hint of chocolate. Silky, finely structured palate with sweet fruit, slender structure, zesty acidity, fine aromatics, light finish. 16/20 2024 - 2034

Deep garnet in color, the 2020 Le Dragon de Quintus sashays out with ready-to-dance notes of ripe, juicy plums, boysenberries, and black raspberries, followed by undertones of star anise and Indian spices plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied, rich, and plush, the palate is jam-packed with black fruit, delivering a long, lifted finish.

89-90

A lovely, gentle nose bringing together ripe summer fruits and wild flowers. Complex and addictive. On the palate, this is a rich, round, full second wine with plenty of energy, wrapped in smooth yet firm tannins. Don’t be misled by the “second wine” label: even if the Dragon is more approachable than the grand vin, it has good cellaring potential.

Bouquet with notes of blackcurrant and aromatic herbs. A smooth, indulgent attack. The wine is balanced, slender, and can be enjoyed in its youth.

Deep colour. A superb nose that is suave, fresh, ripe and subtle, on a par with that of Quintus. A hint of vanilla. Precise from the attack, juicy through the mid-palate, with real class to the texture; the wine melts into a long finish, sappy and utterly irresistible.