2025 Quintus (St-Emilion)

The 2025 Quintus, a blend of 73.2% Merlot and 26.8% Cabernet Franc (39.5% new oak), reveals a dark, somewhat brooding bouquet of dark wild berries, blackberry, cassis and spice, with a more noticeable oak imprint at this stage. Medium- to full-bodied, layered, dense and concentrated, it’s structured and framed by youthful tannins and concludes with a spicy, lead pencil–inflected finish that underscores its somber character. It will need to gain in flesh and integration with elevage to achieve greater balance. 91-93 points

The 2025 Quintus, picked September 8 to 22, has the most opulent bouquet from Domaine Clarence Dillon, with lavish black cherries, cassis and blood orange scents, and a big bunch of violets developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte, smooth tannins. A little lower in acidity, yet it maintains balance and comes armed with a seductive, dark chocolate-tinged finish that is a bit of a guilty pleasure. Very luxuriant. 92-94 points