Very fine tannins with a brightness and freshness. Medium to full body. Vivid and crisp. Chocolate, walnut and berry at the end. 81.6% merlot, 12.1% cabernet franc and 6.3% malbec.

The 2022 Dragon de Quintus displays a perfumed yet elegant bouquet with aromas of spices, plums, cassis and dark berries, followed by a moderately weighted palate that is supple and juicy, with structured tannins but also a slight impression of alcohol on the finish. This is a blend of 81.6% Merlot, 12.1% Cabernet Franc and 6.3% Malbec.

Heavy spice, juicy black fruits, this is intense and concentrated, with a trace of heat, but plenty of personality. 3.65ph. 28% new oak. Harvest September 7 (their earliest to date) through to September 23. No external consultant. Now with the addition of Château Grand Pontet, great terroir just behind Beauséjour-Becot, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc dating back to 1945.

The 2022 Le Dragon de Quintus, which includes 6% Malbec (from the acquisition of Grand Pontet), has a floral bouquet with blackberry and blueberry fruit. It just needs to "stretch out" a bit. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, well balanced, off-dry in style with the 28% new oak neatly integrated. This should age well in bottle.

81.6% Merlot, 12.1% Cabernet Franc, 6.3% Malbec. Includes parcels from Ch Grand-Pontet for the first time this year. Cask sample. Juicy and really quite elegant this year. Handles the alcohol well. Lifted red-fruit aroma. Round and generous on the palate then tightens and focuses on the finish. Just about enough freshness. GV (certainly compared with the grand vin)? (JL)