2016 Dragon de Quintus (St-Emilion)

The 2016 Le Dragon de Quintus is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 3 and 20 October. I found that aromatics tightly wound and a little unresponsive when I tasted it at Haut-Brion, though I managed to coax blackcurrant and bilberry scents, a touch of pressed flowers with time. I would like to see more vigor once in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin: blackberry mingling with white pepper and cloves, nicely balanced with commendable presence on the grainy finish. Hopefully the aromatics will wake up with time in barrel and perhaps 12-18 months in bottle.89-91 points

A charmingly fresh and juicy wine from a vintage they say, `we didn`t see coming`. Well controlled extraction, finessed and nicely elongated, showing soft tannins with some cocoa dusting. Extremely drinkable. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, representing 29% of production, with 41% to the grand vin and 32% to a third wine, St-Émilion de Quintus. 89 points

The second wine at Quintus made up only 29% of the blend in 2016, as 30% was declassified altogether. This is a classic, plump, smooth, Right Bank Merlot with succulent red berry fruit, good texture, deftly integrated oak and a lift of acidity. Drink 2020-26. 91 points

The 2016 Le Dragon de Quintus is a gorgeous second wine with the potential to develop into one of the sleepers of the vintage. The flavors are remarkably pure and precise; dark red cherry, raspberry, flowers and sweet spice give the Dragon unusual depth. A closing burst of floral and spice-infused freshness and lift makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this exemplary Saint-Émilion. 89-92 points