Château Quintus Grand Cru Classé AC Saint-Émilion 0.75L

Château Quintus stands for one of the most ambitious appearances in Saint-Émilion: the winery belongs to Domaines Clarence Dillon – the same family that also runs Haut-Brion – and has borne this name since 2011. The sites in the southeast of the appellation, directly adjacent to Tertre Daugay and L'Arrosée, lie on limestone and clay and give the wine its characteristic structure.

Cabernet Franc is the soul of Saint-Émilion, and Quintus shows what this grape variety achieves on good ground: on the nose, blackberry, pomegranate, and fresh violets, underlaid by a hint of graphite and herbs. On the palate, medium to full body, velvety tannins with clear contour, lively acidity, and a long, mineral-influenced finish.

You best drink it at 16–18 °C, gladly decanted an hour before pouring. Classic companions: entrecôte with herb butter, rack of lamb with rosemary, or a mature Ossau-Iraty. Also as a bottle for a special evening when the wine itself opens the conversation.