2001 Château Quinault l'Enclos

This blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc owes much of its extraordinary quality to the impeccable perfectionist efforts of Quinault’s owners, Dr. Alain Raynaud and his wife, Francoise. The 37-acre vineyard, situated within the Libourne city limits, includes some of the appellation’s oldest vines. This wine enjoys all of the state of the art, cutting edge winemaking techniques (i.e., cold fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and no fining or filtration). Yields are kept to a modest 40 hectoliters per hectare. The 2001 is a worthy rival to the 2000. Deep purple to the rim, this vibrant red boasts a gorgeous bouquet of striking minerality intermixed with raspberries, blackberries, and hints of blueberries, espresso roast, and oak. Medium-bodied, elegant, and pure, with an intense mid-palate as well as a long finish, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 12-15 years.

Deep, bright ruby-red. Captivating aromas of black raspberry, currant, cocoa powder and flinty minerality. Suave and fine-grained, with subtle notes of iron and minerals. Lush and aromatic in the mouth but not at all overly sweet. Finishes with smooth, building tannins. Very distinctive wine.

Very, very oaky nose. Very confected. Was known by its original appellation 'Sables Saint Emilion' until quite recently. Ink, sugar, pain. Arresting tasting; awkward drinking. (JR)