Château Quintus, St Emilion,

Rich and luscious in feel, with intense bright berry fruits set against fennel, anis, bittter black chocolate. The alcohol is bringing some heat on the finish, and this is fully charged, but the slate, chalky edge to the tannins is welcoming, and there is clear complexity here. 38% new oak. No outside consultant. 3.7ph, 38% of production in the first wine. 42ha in production since addition of Grand Pontet in 2021. Audrey Bernard joined the technical team in March 2021 direct from Opus One, plus new director Mariette Veyssiere.

A blend of 58.5% Merlot and 41.5% Cabernet Franc, aging in 38.9% oak, the 2022 Quintus has a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a little swirling to reveal notes of crushed blackberries, juicy blueberries, and black raspberries, followed by touches of pencil shavings, cinnamon stick, clove oil, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with rich, opulent black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

The 2022 Quintus represents the first vintage with the full 42 hectares in production after the acquisition of Château Grand Pontet. It contains the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc at 41.5% of the blend. Matured in 39% new oak, it has an opulent but delineated and fresh bouquet, very focused and pure, black cherries, hints of cassis and light iris flower aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, layered dark berry fruit laced with black tea and black pepper. Nicely structured on the finish. The Cabernet component lends a subtle savory touch. It will need several years in bottle, but this is a classy Saint-Émilion that should age well over two or three decades.