This blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc owes much of its extraordinary quality to the impeccable perfectionist efforts of Quinault’s owners, Dr. Alain Raynaud and his wife, Francoise. The 37-acre vineyard, situated within the Libourne city limits, includes some of the appellation’s oldest vines. This wine enjoys all of the state of the art, cutting edge winemaking techniques (i.e., cold fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and no fining or filtration). Yields are kept to a modest 40 hectoliters per hectare. The 2001 is a worthy rival to the 2000. Deep purple to the rim, this vibrant red boasts a gorgeous bouquet of striking minerality intermixed with raspberries, blackberries, and hints of blueberries, espresso roast, and oak. Medium-bodied, elegant, and pure, with an intense mid-palate as well as a long finish, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 12-15 years.

Full bright ruby. Aromatically pure nose of cassis, blackberry, iron, tobacco and violet pastille. Juicy and leanish on entry, then expands nicely on the back half, finishing firm, subtle and long. The tannins hit the palate quite late. A classy, bright, complex wine with nicely judged extraction and captivating inner-mouth aromatics.

Very, very oaky nose. Very confected. Was known by its original appellation 'Sables Saint Emilion' until quite recently. Ink, sugar, pain. Arresting tasting; awkward drinking. (JR)