A little closed now, but shows very pretty fresh-fruit character of blackberries and black cherries that follow through to a medium to full body, polished and fine tannins and a bright finish. Purity of fruit. - jamessuckling.com, April 2019

The 2018 le Dragon de Quintus is a blend of 75.2% Merlot and 24.8% Cabernet Franc, harvested from September 20 to October 8. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant kirsch, black raspberries and red and black plums scents, giving way to notions of cinnamon stick, violets and star anise plus a hint of camphor. Full-bodied and rich, with a beautiful velvety texture blanketing the vibrant fruit, it delivers a long, spicy finish. Impressive! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, April 2019, The Wine Advocate

The 2018 le Dragon de Quintus is composed of 75.2% Merlot and 24.8% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it delivers expressive scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and kirsch, plus suggestions of spice cake, fallen leaves and unsmoked cigars. The palate is full-bodied with bags of black fruit preserves and an earthy undercurrent, framed by soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a spicy kick.

The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus is really quite lovely in 2018. Here, the higher percentage of Cabernet Franc (25%) gives a good bit of aromatic lift and energy that the wine clearly needs, as the 14.8% alcohol pushes the limit. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, spice, rose petal, mint, tobacco build in a decidedly exotic, flamboyant Saint-Émilion. It will be interesting to see what élevage brings.

The 2018 Le Dragon de Quintus has a flamboyant bouquet for a second wine with black plum, star anis and touches of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, gentle and caressing with fine acidity towards the finish that maybe just lacks the length of the 2016. Still this is nicely focused with a pleasant white pepper and bay leaf-tinged aftertaste.

Tasted blind. Fresh, lively nose and a complete wine at last. Best wine of the flight. Fruity and long. (JR)

75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. Deep crimson. Fresh, stony black fruit, aromatic and lively. Dry and a little severe on the palate but just comes down on the side of finesse thanks to the strict tannins and freshness. Not a great deal of fruit in the middle. (JH)