Château Quintus 2017

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Composed of 54.4% Merlot and 45.6% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Quintus is deep garnet-purple in color and charges out of the gate with exuberant scents of blueberry compote, plum preserves and fresh mulberries with touches of sandalwood, powdered cinnamon, potpourri and forest floor plus a waft of black tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with expressive black and blue fruit layers, framed by wonderfully velvety tannins, finishing long and layered.

Owned by the Domaine Clarence Dillon family of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, this label was produced from the vineyard formerly known as Tertre Daugay. Since 2011, it has been combined with the adjacent L'Arrosée vineyard (that was more recently purchased) to form what is now known as Quintus. In 2017, the vines in the valley portion of the vineyards were completely wiped out by frost, with the north bank partially destroyed but the south bank saved. Overall yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare.

James Suckling

Very attractive nose of summer flowers and ripe redcurrants. Medium-bodied, but with impressive concentration and plenty of fine tannins, this is a lively and elegant 2017. Long, moderately dry, savory finish with good complexity. Drinkable now, but best from 2024. Château Quintus vertical tasting.

Jeannie Cho Lee

La Revue du Vin de France

Bettane et Desseauve

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Spicy rubicund fruits with a dash of mint, licorice and black cherry open the perfume. The wine is dignified and energetic. There is a wholesomeness of fruit, a sweet cherry spirit and an emphasis on the finesse styled character.

Jeb Dunnuck

The grand vin from this estate is the 2017 Chateau Quintus, which is 54.4% Merlot and 45.6% Cabernet Franc. It has lots of chocolatey red and black fruit as well as complex tobacco, dried soil, and spicy nuances. It packs more fruit and richness than either the Saint-Emilion or Dragon De Quintus cuvees, has ripe tannins, good concentration, and outstanding length. This is a classic 2017 that's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and drink beautifully for over a decade.

Decanter Magazine

This is rather attractively marked by Cabernet Franc, the highest levels since 2011, showing floral aromatics that play along the palate. Insisting, grippy tannins make their presence felt without being drying, and there's a lovely minerally, slatey, salty tang on the finish which emphasises the purity of the red fruits. This is a very good Quintus, elegant and with less concentration than in recent years, but highly enjoyable. Harvested 14-29 September.