Le Dragon de Quintus 2023

Winter was mild at Château Quintus, with only February colder than previous years. In spring, night-time temperatures remained low, with high humidity. This humidity lasted until May, followed by heavy rainfall in June. Flowering was not hampered by this, and was rapid, with beautiful bunches emerging. In an almost tropical climate, vine growth was sustained throughout the vegetative season, with significant growth in both shoots and internodes. The teams were particularly active and responsive in green harvesting, successfully pRéserver maintaining the vineyard's good health by frequent trimming and mowing of the plant cover between the rows. Gradual leaf thinning on the sunrise side, essential this year, was carried out on almost all the plots, to encourage aeration of the bunches. Similarly, bunch disentangling, carried out every year, was of crucial importance in 2023. Thinning was stepped up to ensure even veraison. The cool summer gave way to a hot, dry autumn, with temperatures rising sharply, perfecting ripeness and concentrating the grapes.

Harvesting began on September 12 with the young Merlot vines. The decision to harvest was taken in particular by tasting the berries in the vineyard. These meticulous berry tastings also played a decisive role in the important intra-parcel selection work carried out at Quintus this year. Each micro-parcel was directed, according to its potential, towards the appropriate vat room, since each of the three wines from the estate is vinified in a specific vat room. The adaptation of practices in the vineyard and the resilience of the teams bore fruit and enabled us to bring in a qualitative harvest, with juices immediately displaying a beautiful aromatic palette between balance and freshness, with those from the Quintus Nord terroirs particularly fine and elegant.

Dark, intense wine-red color. The first nose is discreet but enchanting. Agitation reveals depth and beautiful ripeness of fruit, as well as freshness. The attack is soft, tender, fruity and fragrant. Then the wine moves forward, still fruity and fresh. The palate is soft, with no corners, and the finish is always fresh and sapid. Then the tannins disappear, but the aromas persist! This Dragon is simply catchy!