Chateau Quinault L'Enclos Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015

A ripe, heady, blockbuster styled beauty, the 2015 Château Quinault l'Enclos (69% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) reveals a deep purple color as well as super ripe (but not overripe) notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, cherries, and earth. With full-bodied richness, high, yet sweet tannin, and an incredible texture that seemed to improve every time I came back to the glass, it’s already beautifully but will keep for 15-20 years.

A blend of 69% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon aged exclusively in 500-liter barrels, 50% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Quinault l'Enclos opens with expressive black cherries, red currants and black raspberries notes with hints of baking spices, cigar box and bay leaves plus a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with vibrant red and black fruits, supported by finely grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and spicy.

The 2015 Quinault L'Enclos is absolutely gorgeous. Sweet floral, savory and espresso notes give it noticeable brightness, energy and verve. Those qualities are further enhanced by the decision to age Quinault entirely in larger 500-liter barrels (50% new) for 12 months. Medium in body, with vibrant red fruit flavors and saline notes that bristle, the 2015 is impossible to resist, even at this early stage. This is a superb showing from Pierre-Olivier Clouet and the team at Cheval Blanc.

A purity and balance to this year with mineral, lavender and licorice character. Full body yet balanced and super silky. Bright and precise. Best ever.

New, elegant style clearly established. Cabernet components up to 31%. Instantly fresh and floral with leafy, dark fruit notes. Palate gentle and refined with a suave texture and touch of fine tannin. Freshness persists.

The 2015 Quinault l'Enclos has a rather light and brambly bouquet, understated but nuanced with subtle earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly coarse tannin, well judged acidity, a little oaky toward the finish that feels drier than I would like at this stage, certainly drier than when I tasted it just after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.