Château Quinault l'Enclos, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2020

Elegant and with fine tannins this is a wine with plenty of expressive, ripe red fruits which coupled with savoury, herby notes and a hint of cloves make for a nicely polished wine which is effortlessly delicious drinking. 2020 was a very attractive right bank vintage and coupled with the subtle and considered winemaking techniques has resulted in a excellent wine. It's matured in large 500 litre oak barrels, rather than the traditional Bordeaux size of 225 litre, with the aim of reducing the oak presence in the finished article.

It's just coming into its own now and will last well into the 2030s. Pair it, classically, with lamb or game.

Château Quinault l’Enclos is, as its name implies somewhat enclosed. It actually sits within the city of Libourne and is surrounded by suburbs. In fact, in the late twentieth century, there was a threat of possible housing development for the estate itself. Happily, an event that didn’t come to pass. In 2008 the property was acquired by Bernard Arnault and Albert Frere, owners of the famous Château Cheval Blanc and today things are run by Pierre Lurton and the Cheval Blanc team. The signature style of the estate is for freshness and subtle oakiness and wines that have good age-worthy potential.