2018 Le Dragon De Quintus 1500ml

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Blueberry and black cherry with some floral and crushed-stone character. Full-bodied and chewy with lots of chalk, stone and dusty character to the blue fruit. Solid. Second wine. Needs three to four years to open. Try after 2025.

92 POINTS

James Suckling

A little closed now, but shows very pretty fresh-fruit character of blackberries and black cherries that follow through to a medium to full body, polished and fine tannins and a bright finish. Purity of fruit. Points: 92-93

90 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus has calmed down since I tasted it in barrel, now much more refined, with pretty and very pure black cherry and boysenberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly powdery texture, touches of graphite infusing the black fruit that imparts a Left Bank personality. Not persistent, but quite strict and linear. This will drink well over the next 8–10 years. Classy.

90 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 le Dragon de Quintus is composed of 75.2% Merlot and 24.8% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it delivers expressive scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and kirsch, plus suggestions of spice cake, fallen leaves and unsmoked cigars. The palate is full-bodied with bags of black fruit preserves and an earthy undercurrent, framed by soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a spicy kick.

90 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 le Dragon de Quintus is a blend of 75.2% Merlot and 24.8% Cabernet Franc, harvested from September 20 to October 8. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant kirsch, black raspberries and red and black plums scents, giving way to notions of cinnamon stick, violets and star anise plus a hint of camphor. Full-bodied and rich, with a beautiful velvety texture blanketing the vibrant fruit, it delivers a long, spicy finish. Impressive!

90 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus is really quite lovely in 2018. Here, the higher percentage of Cabernet Franc (25%) gives a good bit of aromatic lift and energy that the wine clearly needs, as the 14.8% alcohol pushes the limit. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, spice, rose petal, mint, tobacco build in a decidedly exotic, flamboyant Saint-Émilion. It will be interesting to see what élevage brings. Points: 89-92

90 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus is a bold, juicy Saint-Émilion to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark cherry, plum, tobacco, dried herbs and mint all open nicely. A healthy dollop (25%) of Cabernet Franc helps retain freshness, but the natural ripeness of the year is impossible to escape.

Jane Anson - Decanter

This feel like a rich expression of the plateau, powerfully textured with clear clay influence alongside the limestone. It has a creamy mid-palate with rippling tannins and tons of red fruits. The 2016 had a more closed, linear side while 2018 has more opulence.