2017 Château Quinault l'Enclos

The 2017 Quinault L'Enclos is soft, floral and silky - all qualities that make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years, maybe more. In 2017, Quinault is fruity and open-knit, with mid-weight structure. The slight vegetal notes that were present en primeur are not as evident today, but this remains a rather light Quinault in terms of weight, fruit pliancy and aromatic depth.

There was no frost here. Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Quinault l'Enclos delivers expressive scents of mulberries, baked plums and boysenberries with hints of tar, licorice and chargrill. Medium-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of chewy tannins and lively acidity framing the elegant black fruit and savory layers, finishing on an earthy note.

Bottled at the beginning of April, the 2017 Quinault l’Enclos suffered no frost damage due to its urban proximity. It has a slightly muted nose that may be due to some bottle shock. The palate is firm on the entry with broody black fruit tinged with Japanese nori, light marine scents. It does not quite "flow" like other vintages I have tasted. A Saint-Émilion that is in a bit of a "mood" at the time of my tasting. Let’s see how it evolves in bottle.