Winemakers Michel Rolland & Denis Dubourdieu
The 18 hectares of Château Quinault are planted with 65% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec and are on the edge of the Pomerol boundary.
Chateau Quinault's state of the art winery is situated right in the heart of the town Libourne, its vineyard surrounded by walls is located on a “warm” gravelly soil. Today Quinault l'Enclos is now unquestionably one of the stella estates in the St-Emilion region. Today it is owned by Dr Alain Raynaud. He employs the leading oenologists, Michel Rolland and Denis Dubourdieu, to act as consultants.
The average age of the vines is high (60-70 years) and the wine is now typically a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Quinault l'Enclos is matured in 100% new oak barrels for 18 months and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
It is a truly outstanding wine.
This 48+-acre vineyard is owned by Dr. Alain Raynaud, who has been one of the spiritual and qualitative leaders of the quality revolution that has taken place in Pomerol and St.-Emilion. Situated within the Libourne city limits, this vineyard possesses some of the oldest vines (50 years) of St.-Emilion. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the light-styled 2003 is soft and forward, yet possesses this property’s hallmark elegance. Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple hue along with a sweet nose of blueberries, licorice, and flowers, it is all about finesse, balance, and purity. While it does not display the concentration of the finest vintages to date, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2004, it is ideal for drinking now and over the next 12-14 years.
89/100 Robert Parker.