Critic Notes
The best vintage yet under LVMH’s ownership, 2015 is marked by the high percentage of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, giving the wine energy, perfume and structure. Aromatic, leafy and well balanced with grassy freshness and well-integrated oak. Apr 2016, www.timatkin.com, Drink: 2022-2030
Score: 94-/100Tim AtkinDrinking Window: 2022-2030
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. Feb 2018, www.robertparker.com
Score: 94-/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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. Mar 2016, www.JamesSuckling.com
Score: 93-94/100James Suckling
Licorice and fresh kirsch are the first things you notice, but the silky, polished texture is what really turns your head. This is pure, fresh, fun to taste and easily the best Quinault L'Enclos ever produced. The wine is a blend of 69% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc. Apr 2016, www.thewinecellarinsider.com
Score: 92-94/100Jeff Leve
The 2015 Quinault L'Enclos includes Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2009, representing 19% of the total blend, 12% Cabernet Franc and 69% Merlot. They now use larger 500-liter barrels, new oak but larger in size to work on the volume of the mid-palate. Aged in 50% new wood, it has a tightly wound, pure bouquet with intriguing graphite and cedar notes infusing the red berry and cassis fruit, perhaps a little Left Bank in style compared to other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, extremely well defined, a slightly graininess in texture with that graphite element defining the finish. There is great length here, an extremely fine Quinault L'Enclos that will give a lot of pleasure with just 4-5 years in bottle. Apr 2016, www.eRobertParker.com, Drink: 2020-2045
Score: 91-93/100Neal MartinDrinking Window: 2020-2045
Belongs to Cheval Blanc now! 69% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvested 18 September - 2 October. Cheval Blanc have pulled out lots of vines and planted Cabernet Sauvignon. Trying to keep very gentle tannins. 50% new oak but all in 500 litre. Quite a change. Wouldn't work for Cheval. Very gentle tannins. Really perfumed. Very sweet on the palate. Very different from the old days. Apr 2016, www.JancisRobinson.com, Drink: 2023-2030
Score: 17-/20Jancis RobinsonDrinking Window: 2023-2030
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. Apr 2016, James Lawther MW, www.Decanter.com, Drink: 2020-2030
Score: 91-/100DecanterDrinking Window: 2020-2030
The 2015 Quinault L'Enclos is absolutely delicious. Bright, floral and nuanced, the 2015 shows off lovely class throughout. The expressive aromatics and underlying salinity are both deeply suggestive of Cabernet Franc, even though Franc is just 12% of the blend. The 2015 is a super-sexy Saint-Émilion that will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is pure finesse. Apr 2016, www.Vinous.com
Score: 89-92/100Antonio Galloni
