2019 Ch Quintus Le Dragon de Quintus Bordeaux, St-Émilion

The 2019 Dragon de Quintus has turned out nicely, delivering a generous bouquet of rich, plumy fruit and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's seamless and polished, with its sweet core of fruit framed by ripe tannins and succulent acids, concluding with an expansive finish. As usual, this bottling tends to derive from lower-lying parcels on deeper, sandier soils than those that inform the grand vin.

90 points,William Kelley robertparker.com Drink 2021-2035

Quintus Le Dragon de Quintus from Saint-Émilion is the second wine of Château Quintus, an estate owned by the prestigious Domaine Clarence Dillon, who also own Château Haut-Brion. This elegant and approachable Bordeaux blend reflects the heritage and precision of its grander sibling, offering the finesse of Saint-Émilion’s limestone plateau with a more accessible, earlier-drinking style.

Château Quintus is perched high on the southwestern edge of Saint-Émilion, commanding one of the highest points in the appellation. The vineyards are a patchwork of clay and limestone soils, ideal for growing Merlot and Cabernet Franc with freshness, structure, and aromatic lift. Le Dragon takes its name from the dragon carved into the estate’s crest, symbolising strength, protection, and the mythical aura of the Quintus vineyards.

The blend typically leans on Merlot for plush fruit and early charm, supported by Cabernet Franc for floral lift and structure. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new.

In the glass, Le Dragon de Quintus is generous yet refined, offering notes of ripe plum, dark cherry, dried herbs, and graphite. The palate is silky and well-structured, with polished tannins, savoury undertones, and a long, graceful finish that reflects both its terroir and the skill behind its winemaking.

This is a beautifully made Saint-Émilion that offers pedigree and poise at a more accessible level—perfect for early enjoyment or short-term cellaring.