Quinault L'Enclos 2019 (750ML)

94 JD / 94 JS / 93 VM / 93 JA / 93 DE / 93 WCI / 92 WE / 92 WI / 90 WA / 16 JR

I continue to love this wine, and I think it's undervalued in the market. Coming from a walled vineyard near Libourne and managed by the incredible team at Cheval Blanc, the 2019 Château Quinault L'Enclos reveals a deep purple/ruby hue to go with a gorgeous seamless, medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced profile that epitomizes the style of the vintage. The tannins are flawlessly integrated, it has a great mid-palate, and it offers up a wonderful bouquet of darker cherries, currants, leafy herbs, and chocolate. It can be drunk today with incredible pleasure given its balance and purity, but it’s going to cruise in cold cellars for at least two decades. - Jeb Dunnuck

This has linear, very fine tannins that make it minerally and long. Medium body. Dark fruit with lavender and violet undertones. Very fresh acidity. Flavorful and fine. 74% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon and 12% cabernet franc. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

The 2019 Quinault L'Enclos is racy, supple and wonderfully inviting. A wine of depth and texture, the 2019 impresses with its exceptional balance and class. Sweet red berry fruit, cedar, spice, tobacco and licorice build beautifully with a bit of time in the glass. This is a terrific showing from Quinault, which as readers probably know, is owned by Cheval Blanc. Over the last dozen years more than half the property has been developed. The results are starting to show. One of the most unique aspects of Quinault is that 20% of the wine is aged in 550-liter barrels, which are used to confer greater freshness. The 2019 is flat out gorgeous. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

An excellent wine showing restrained but serious power. Tighter in its tannic structure than the 2018, with succulent black fruits punctuated by brighter redcurrant and sage notes. The change in Quinault l'Enclos is probably the biggest of any estate in St Emilion over the past decade, under the direction of the Cheval Blanc team. Ageing in 500l and 2000l oak casks, and they are looking to 24 months elevage, here this is 12 months, so this would be a big change. Harvest September 10 to October 2, 41hl/h yield. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Gorgeous rich nose, really vividly fruity full of wild blackcurrants, strawberries and cherries. So rich and intense on the nose, expressive and detailed. Lovely density on the palate too, great concentration but not overt richness or heaviness, in fact it has a lightness of touch following some other wines in the range. Such enjoyable succulence and vein of freshnes. Immediately juicy in the mouth, almost mouthwatering, with good bright red and black fruits and a soft mid palate that has some chalky tannins. Smooth and satisfying - just a great mix of concentrated fruits and minty freshness. Lots going on and a long finish. A blend of 74% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc. Drinking Window 2024 - 2034 - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Really attractive fruit – fresh, crunchy and fragrant. Round and pure on the palate with good depth and ripe, mellow tannins. Smooth-textured and complete. Now a consistently appealing wine at a (usually) attractive price. - James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson