Blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 le Dragon de Quintus leaps from the glass with bold blackberry preserves, stewed plums and wild blueberry scents plus suggestions of new leather, menthol and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and blue fruit preserves with a velvety frame and lovely spicy sparks on the finish. RP
This is so beautifully integrated already with dark, stony minerals, slate and graphite, as well as a swathe of ripe blackberries and dark, spicy plums. The palate starts out quite tight and maintains a long, linear shape that pushes deeper and wider into the finish. Regal and velvety on the surface. Profoundly fine and long below. Freshens as it goes, too. Superb. JS