Dragon de Quintus - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Vinous

90

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

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.

Wine Advocate

90

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/31/2021

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.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

Fresh, sweet, silky, and filled with elegant, sweet plum and cherry filled charm, the wine is medium bodied, forward, refined and perfect for near term drinking, while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop.

Vinous

90

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

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.

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/9/2021

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.

Wine Spectator

89

byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021

A bright, pure style, with damson plum and cassis notes pierced by a racy chalky streak, ending with light floral nuances on the finish. Not big in scale, but very precise. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2026. –JM

Decanter.com

90

byJane Ansonthe1/12/2021

Vinous

88-90

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus has a flamboyant bouquet for a second wine with black plum, star anis and touches of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, gentle and caressing with fine acidity towards the finish that maybe just lacks the length of the 2016. Still this is nicely focused with a pleasant white pepper and bay leaf-tinged aftertaste.

Decanter.com

90

byJames Lawther MWthe11/6/2019

Barrel sample. Creamy, pure and expressive, the fruit and texture are impressive here. It's definitely in the mould of the grand vin, but with perhaps a little more sweetness on the mid-palate and just a glow of alcohol. The tannins are also a little lighter and grainier on the finish.
Drinking Window 2024 - 2033

Vinous

89-92

byAntonio Gallonithe5/3/2019

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.

The Wine Cellar Insider

88-90

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Medium bodied, soft, silky, open and accessible with a sweet, cherry and red plum profile, this is perfect for ordering in a restaurant or just easy going pleasure.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

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!

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

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.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

88

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Yvesbeck.wine

87-88

byYves Beckthe4/1/2019

75.2% Merlot, 24.8% Cabernet Franc
Pourpre violacé soutenu. Bouquet de bonne intensité, fruité et épicé. Caractère invitant. Au palais, le vin est juteux, fruité, équilibré et bien soutenu par ses tannins. Ces derniers sont encore légèrement anguleux mais ils sont bien intégrés. Finale fruitée et juteuse, agréablement rafraîchissante. 2022-2027

Decanter.com

89

byJane Ansonthe4/1/2019

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. 3.76pH. 30% new oak for ageing. 70IPT.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2040