Chateau Quintus

Formerly known as Ch Tertre Daugay, Ch. Quintus is a newcomer in Bordeaux and has already received its fair share of acclaims. The 2020 vintage is the best to date receiving its highest score ever from the Wine Advocate. Powerful and exuberant, this is the most complex and finest Ch Quintus yet and it will keep for 20 years. A must have for serious St Emilion wine lovers!

Ch. Quintus’ Story

The estate was purchased by Domaine Clarence Dillon in 2011 who runs Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Haut-Brion. Being the fifth estate to enter the Dillon portfolio, it was renamed Château Quintus, aa tribute to the Gallo-Romans, creators of Saint-Emilion’s vineyards, who had the custom of naming their fifth child Quintus.

Ideally located near Ch. Angelus and Ch. Ausone, this Chateau has tremendous potential. The team is so confident of the quality of their wine, they conducted a blind tasting to check how they compared to five of the most highly-regarded growths in Saint Emilion. 28 judges including Jancis Robinson, Jane Anson and Neal Martin tasted all vintages from 2011 to 2018 and awarded four perfect 100 points scores, three of which going to Quintus.

2020 - The Growing Season

2020 was the last in the incredible trio of great vintages, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the first time three great vintages were produced in a row in Bordeaux. Secure your stock now.

Winter 2019/2020 is mild and wet. The vine’s growth cycle begins very early (it is the earliest year after 1989). In Spring, constant rainfall encourages mildew to appear, so we are doubly attentive. Flowering is very early too and occurs as usual. From mid-June and until mid-August, an exceptionally hot, dry period sets in, during which we note three periods of heatwave. As a result, we decrease work carried out in the vineyard, especially leaf-thinning, to protect the wholeness of the grape bunches and to preserve aromatic freshness. From 11th August, steady rainfall enables the grape to perfect its ripeness. Temperatures are above seasonal averages, ideal for completing the ripening of all the red grape varieties, which entered our fermenting rooms in excellent health.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Perched on a 60 metres high limestone plateau, the 42-hectare (69 acre) of vineyards is planted with 72% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and benefits from a north, west and south-facing exposure.

Winemaking is done in wooden and in stainless steel vats, with gentle extraction carried out by pumping over. Plots at the top, middle and foot of the slopes are vinified separately. Once the blend is agreed, the wine is matured in French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months.

Ch Quintus 2020 - The Scores

The 2020 Quintus is a blend of 62.5% Merlot and 37.5% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with an alcohol of 15.4%. Displaying a deep purple-black color, it leaps from the glass with bold notes of crushed blackberries, boysenberries and stewed plums, plus suggestions of chocolate mint, clove oil, lilacs and star anise. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with rich black fruits and floral accents, framed by well-balanced acidity and finely grained tannins, finishing with great length and impressive energy. Judging from this barrel sample, this is the finest, most complex and complete Quintus yet—bravo! - 95-97 points Lisa Perrotti Brown, Robert Parker

Wow. This is very chalky and salty with lots of mineral character. It shows lots of purple fruit and firm tannins. Racy and bright. Chewy yet fine tannins. Gorgeous. Gets better and better. - 97-98 points James Suckling

Exuberant and confident, with powerful damson and black cherry fruit flavours on the nose. Chocolate and liquorice run through the palate from beginning to end, and this is full of signature St-Emilion glamour. It has a round and supple texture through the mid palate, but the alcohol hides some of the limestone nuance at this point - it will no doubt emerge more clearly with 8 to 10 years in bottle. Harvest 11th September for the Merlot grapes and 23rd September for the Cabernet Franc. – 93 points Decanter