2022, Château Quintus, SAINT-ÉMILION Grand Cru

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Quintus is the latest venture of the Dillon family - owners of Château Haut Brion. This new 28 hectare estate was created following the purchase and amalgamation of Châteaux Tertre Daugay and L'Arrosée in Saint Emilion - vineyards close to Angélus. In 2022 it is 58.5% Merlot, 41.5% Cabernet Franc.

The 2022 Quintus represents the first vintage with the full 42 hectares in production after the acquisition of Château Grand Pontet. It contains the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc at 41.5% of the blend. Matured in 39% new oak, it has an opulent but delineated and fresh bouquet, very focused and pure, black cherries, hints of cassis and light iris flower aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, layered dark berry fruit laced with black tea and black pepper. Nicely structured on the finish. The Cabernet component lends a subtle savoury touch. It will need several years in bottle, but this is a classy Saint-Émilion that should age well over two or three decades. 92-94 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Blackberry and lead pencil on the nose with fresh flowers. Some rose stems, too. Full-bodied with racy and fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Complex and intense in flavour, it remains full of energy and verve. 96-97 James Suckling.

The 2022 Quintus has a deep garnet-purple colour. It needs a little swirling to reveal notes of crushed blackberries, juicy blueberries, and black raspberries, followed by touches of pencil shavings, cinnamon stick, clove oil, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with rich, opulent black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. 94-96 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Rich and luscious in feel, with intense bright berry fruits set against fennel, anis, bittter black chocolate. The alcohol is bringing some heat on the finish, and this is fully charged, but the slate, chalky edge to the tannins is welcoming, and there is clear complexity here. 42ha in production since addition of Grand Pontet in 2021. Audrey Bernard joined the technical team in March 2021 direct from Opus One, plus new director Mariette Veyssiere. 94 Jane Anson.

Drinking Window: 2032 - 2052