This morning we have seen the release of Château Quinault l’Enclos 2018. This is a property that was acquired by Château Cheval Blanc ten years ago and we have watched with interest as the new team have brought their experience and focus to bear.
When we tasted with Pierre-Olivier Clouet, Technical Director of Château Cheval Blanc, at the end of March this year, he described how he had been trying to build density in what had been a lighter St. Emilion style. The biggest development has been in the vineyard, where 50% has been replanted with high-quality clones of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Château Cheval Blanc’s own vineyard no less.
The work is so evidently paying off and we were really impressed with the 2018 Château Quinault l'Enclos, which additionally represents incredible value in the vintage for the quality shown in the glass.
2018 Château Quinault l’Enclos, St. Emilion Grand Cru
£295 per 12 bottle case in bond
Richard O'Mahony's note :
A blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Quinault l’Enclos shows glossy, creamy dark and red berry fruits of real purity and good concentration. There is a sense of depth here that has not shown to this extent in previous vintages. Yet there is also an underlying sense of poise and energy with a fresh, almost crunchy fruit length and fine mineral tannins. The finish exhibits admirable tension and subtle yet vibrant fruit length. Really accomplished winemaking, with the long-term goals now becoming evident. Drink: 2024-2040
While we confidently trust our own judgment, we provide a third-party view for reference.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate.
92-94 points
This a very gravelly soil with great drainage, but not a lot of water during dry periods. Adeptly produced by the team of Cheval Blanc (who purchased the estate in 2008), the wine nonetheless maintained its poise under the dry, warm ripening conditions of 2018, coming in at a respectable pH of 3.67 and relatively moderate alcohol of 14.1%. The 2018 Quinault l'Enclos is blended of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc with 50% new oak and the rest in one-year-old barrels—but only 500-liter and foudres. Deep purple-black in color, it slips seductively out of the glass with notions of warm plums, blueberry preserves and mulberries with touches of spice box, tilled soil, black olives and licorice plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with muscular black fruit and licorice sparks, framed by rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery kick.
We believe this represents great value in 2018.
If you are interested in purchasing this wine, please let us know at your earliest convenience.