2016 Dragon de Quintus

93 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

92–94. Barrel Sample. Dominated by Merlot, this is a richly perfumed, ripe and spicy wine. Soft tannins are balanced by plenty of acidity and blackberry fruit. It's full in structure, but still allows plenty of room for the fruit.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

A delicious and fresh St.-Emilion with ripe blackberries and a subtle, mineral note that shows clearly on the long, crisp and juicy finish. Second wine of Château Quintus. Already friendly, but better from 2020.

90 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 le Dragon de Quintus leaps from the glass with bold blackberry preserves, stewed plums and wild blueberry scents plus suggestions of new leather, menthol and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and blue fruit preserves with a velvety frame and lovely spicy sparks on the finish.

90 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2016 Le Dragon de Quintus is dark, pliant and supple. Dark cherry, mocha, espresso and spice notes all flesh out in this succulent, racy second wine from Quintus. Élevage has given the 2016 soft contours and also a bit more oak influence than the wine showed en primeur. I would give the 2016 a few years in bottle to shed some of its baby fat. The 2016 spent 12 months in 29% new oak. I would prefer to drink the 2016 over the next few years, while the wine remains supple.

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2016 Le Dragon de Quintus has a perfumed, floral bouquet of red fruit infused with pressed rose petals; kirsch and orange blossom emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. A little pinched on the entry, and quite peppery, with gentle grip toward the tinny finish. Give this a couple of years to shave off those edges.

Jane Anson - Decanter

A charmingly fresh and juicy wine from a vintage they say, 'we didn't see coming'. Well controlled extraction, finessed and nicely elongated, showing soft tannins with some cocoa dusting. Extremely drinkable. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, representing 29% of production, with 41% to the grand vin and 32% to a third wine, St-Émilion de Quintus.

Richard Hemming MW - JancisRobinson.com

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Simple blackberry fruit, a touch of liquorice and notable alcohol vapour. Modern, plush, full. Finely manicured tannins. Persistence of fruit on the finish, which gives modest ageing potential – although the structure is more for drinking soon. Score: 16++/20

Jancis Robinson MW

The wine the trade has to buy if they want Haut-Brion. Tasted blind. Richly black-fruited. The fruit, for once, dominates the tannin. Pretty massive and burly but should not disappoint. Quite long. Score: 16.5/20