2019 Quinault l'Enclos

The 2019 Quinault l'Enclos comes across a bit flat on the nose compared to its peers, smudged mulberry and blackberry scents, a touch of stewed black tea. The palate is toasty and almost Rhône-like, peppery, quite fat with a concentrated, voluminous finish. Just lacks some elegance and class. I wonder if this is representative? I include a question mark against my score. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

Tasted blind. Rich and broad and winning with real depth as well as ripeness but not at all heavy or sickly. Good attack. Though lighter tannic charge than some. (JR)

I continue to love this wine, and I think it's undervalued in the market. Coming from a walled vineyard near Libourne and managed by the incredible team at Cheval Blanc, the 2019 Château Quinault L'Enclos reveals a deep purple/ruby hue to go with a gorgeous seamless, medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced profile that epitomizes the style of the vintage. The tannins are flawlessly integrated, it has a great mid-palate, and it offers up a wonderful bouquet of darker cherries, currants, leafy herbs, and chocolate. It can be drunk today with incredible pleasure given its balance and purity, but it’s going to cruise in cold cellars for at least two decades.