Château Quintus 2020

The estate

Chateau Quintus was born from the union of the Chateau Tertre Daugay and Chateau L’Arrosee terroirs, respectively acquired by the family company Domaine Clarence Dillon in 2011 and in 2013. Chateau Quintus is thus the fifth property of the Domaine Clarence Dillon group, alongside the Chateaux Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. The estate takes its name from the Gallo-Roman tradition of naming one's fifth child Quintus.

The vineyard

The 28-hectare vineyard of this Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is unique in its mosaic of terroirs. Aged 30 years on average, the vines are planted on a plateau upon a succession of south-facing limestone layers, as well as on south-facing clay-limestone and gravelly soils at the north of the estate.

The vintage

The weather conditions during winter and spring encouraged an early budding and flowering. The summer season was marked by an extremely dry climate without any rain between mid-June and mid-August, slowing down the vine development. The vine was protected from water stress by its clay soil and sufficient reserves due to a wet spring. Throughout the crop cycle, the wine-making practices were adapted to the vintage, notably through limited operations during the summer. Green harvests were thus limited to preserve the foliage of the vines and to protect them from the sun. The early harvest made it possible to harvest fully ripe grapes.

The blend

Chateau Quintus 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (62.5%), Cabernet Franc (37.5%).

The tasting

The wine is a beautiful, deep purple color. The nose mixes dense and complex fragrances of fully ripe red and black fruits with subtle spicy notes over the course of aeration. Following an ample and full-bodied attack, the palate seduces with its smooth touch, tight and precise tannic structure as well as its length. The Cabernet Franc gives structure and freshness to this Chateau Quintus 2020 blend, conveying the sophistication and richness of an excellent vintage.