critic reviews
A blend of 74% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Quinault L'Enclos is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It needs some coaxing to unlock notes of baked plums and boysenberries followed by hints of bay leaves and pencil shavings with a hint of dried herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is delicately played, with compelling freshness and a chewy finish.
The 2019 Quinault l'Enclos comes across a bit flat on the nose compared to its peers, smudged mulberry and blackberry scents, a touch of stewed black tea. The palate is toasty and almost Rhône-like, peppery, quite fat with a concentrated, voluminous finish. Just lacks some elegance and class. I wonder if this is representative? I include a question mark against my score. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Aromas of sweet cherries, rose petals, violets and dark chocolate introduce the 2019 Quinault l'Enclos, a medium to full-bodied, ample and lively wine that's produced by Cheval Blanc's winemaking team.
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.