Le Dragon de Quintus 2018
Le Dragon de Quintus 2018, The inspiration for the name ˝Dragon de Quintus˝ came from the vineyard’s privileged location at the edge of the Saint-Emilion plateau, as well as from the history of the watchtower built there to defend the village. In Western mythology, the dragon is represented as a very intelligent creature, usually the guardian of a priceless treasure benefitting from exceptional sight. This symbol of the keeper and protector of a magic terroir, observing this boundless panorama, is how Le Dragon came to personify the second wine of Château Quintus.
Le Dragon de Quintus is an assemblage of Merlot (77%) and Cabernet Franc (23%). The very expressive bouquet shows attractive hints of cherry and raspberry. The wine is ethereal on the palate, with beautiful freshness that highlights the delicious fruitiness. The long aftertaste confirms the overall charm and attractiveness.
Chateau Quintus is a well-regarded Saint-Emilion estate established by Domaine Clarence Dillon (which runs the Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Haut-Brion and neighbor La Mission Haut-Brion) in 2011. Quintus lies southwest of St-Emilion town, on a prominent spur of the southern escarpment that delimits the region’s best winegrowing land, looking out onto the Dordogne river valley. The spur is so prominent that for centuries it was a known watchtower point called the “terte du guet” (look-out hill). This reportedly lent the original property, Château Tertre-Daugay, its name.
Tertre-Daugay, which was a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé (albeit demoted in 2006 and re-established in 2010), was run by the Malet-Roquefort family (which owns Château La Gaffelière) until its takeover by Domaine Clarence Dillon in 2011. The property was renamed Château Quintus as it was the fifth estate to enter the Dillon portfolio. Although the Dillon portfolio expanded in August 2021 with the acquisition of Château Grand Pontet (another Saint-Emilion property), it is understood the purchase was made to extended Quintus’ vineyard holdings. Grand Pontet lies about 2km (1.2 miles) due north of Château Quintus, firmly on the Saint-Emilion plateau, just to the west of Saint-Emilion town.