Château Quinault L'Enclos, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2021
This Cheval Blanc owned chateau in the suburbs of Libourne has developed a reputation for good value, honest wines. They lost quite a lot the crop, so yields are a paltry 20 hl/ha. Floral, with notes of dark cherry jam. This is nicely measured with fine acids and a good sense of vertical poise. Finishes with chocolate and fresh cherry. Not complex but nicely balanced fruit and some dark intrigue. 13% Alc.
critic reviews
The 2021 Quinault L’Enclos has a deep garnet-purple color. It rolls out of the glass with vivacious notes of redcurrants and cranberries, followed by hints of wild sage, graphite, and mossy tree bark. The light to medium-bodied palate has a lightly chewy texture and subtle fruit flavors, going a little thin in the middle and short on the finish.
This has really kept its style from En Primeur, with clarity and lift to the fruit, bright blueberry, graphite, savoury, raspberry leaf and fresh fruits, soft extractions, a little austere, as is classic in the vintage. 50% new oak (500l casks), and then the rest up to 5 years old so neutral oak impact. Low yields of 20hl/h yields after frost and mildew. Organic certified since 2014.
The 2021 Quinault l'Enclos, of which 50% of the crop was lost due to mildew, has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, hints of licorice coming through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with strict tannins, very linear and saline in style. It’s a bit short and, you could argue, mean, though it keeps you coming back for more.
Despite the challenges of the season, the 2021 Quinault l'Enclos has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of sweet cherries, berries, lilac and spices, followed by a medium-bodied, ample and fleshy palate built around velvety tannins and concluding with a pure finish.