Dragon de Quintus 2023

Smoky, deep, plum, dried herbs; immensely lively, balanced, shows breed and freshness, a stern finish on blood orange zest.

Fragrant blackcurrant and bramble fruit, liquorice and cool mint, a lively, clean nose. Quite expressive. Smooth yet brisk, fairly tangy, filled with bright strawberry juice, and plenty of chalky tannins giving a broad, mouth-filling feel. Nicely balanced with well-integrated tannins. A touch of heat and spice on the finish. Slightly austere, with lots of liquorice and dark fruit, but good acidity too. The fruit is certainly ripe: crushed blackcurrants, plums and hints of strawberry. Good stuff with freshness on the long finish. Not layered—more linear—but well defined. Aged 12 months, 25% new oak. pH 3.63.

Flowers, tobacco leaves, bay leaf, cherries, licorice, and cocoa fill the core of this medium-bodied, soft, fresh, and refined, red berry-filled wine with a savory edge. You can enjoy this with pleasure on release. The wine blends 71.6% Merlot, and 28.4% Cabernet Franc, 14.1% ABV. Drink from 2026-2033. 91-93 pts.

Intense depth and character but with freshness, floral character, clear salinity, sappy tannins that are not entirely resolved, but there is good spice and impressive lift. Includes Merlot from the north-facing vineyards, and this is sculpted and precise, with a juicy finish. Director Mariette Veyssiere.