Chateau Quinault L'Enclos 2000, St Emilion Grand Cru
Deep ruby with a medium rim. Dense and as if in a 'Garage' style, the discreet wood is finely toasted though. The nose reflects the palate: classic sweet black raspberry, and currant fruit along with hints of spring flowers and smoky oak followed by a round, gentle, restrained wine revealing purity, medium body. 19 years of gracefully ageing add complexities of earth, spice, meat(Sur lie, stirring of lees, cold maceration).
It is now a Cheval Blanc wine(since 2008), hence the 'status' seems higher by now. Also in 2012, the composition has changed to majority Cabernet Sauvignon. So, majority Merlot like this 2006 vintage is history and nostalgically treasured. The 20 ha of Quinault L'Enclos at the Southwestern quadrant offers a warm and early microclimate that allows it to reach optimal maturity each year. The 2006 climate is uneven, so this warmer terroir comparable to the best of Pomerol offers lots of relief. The vineyard planted in 1 single parcel is unusual for a winery of that size in the Right Bank.
Manual harvesting respects a strict plot selection protocol, worthy of the very first classified growths. Vinification takes place in wood vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. The wine ages an average of 50% new, French oak barrels for up to 18 months, hence there is always some power and complexities.
Dr Alain Raynaud, the winemaker, was in hong kong in the Peak Cafe Deco showing most of his wines in earlier 2000s. Consistent scores for all his vintages accorded. The highest attained for vintage 2000 was RP94. The following comment is well put:
92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Good bright medium ruby. Dark berries, bitter chocolate and sexy smoky oak tones on the nose. Fat, full, concentrated and lush, with strong soil character and sound vinosity, giving the wine a chewy texture. Denser than the 2001. Finishes long and spicy, with ripe, suave tannins. (5/2002)
