2005 Château Quinault l'Enclos

Medium ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cherry, minerals, iron and smoked meat. Juicy and sappy for the year, with lovely energy to the concentrated flavors of cherry, minerals, smoke, flowers and earth. Very sophisticated, shapely wine with a long, ripely tannic finish throwing off notes of smoke, minerals and iron.

- Stephen Tanzer (05/2008)

While not up to more recent vintages, the 2005 Château Quinault L’Enclos is a beautiful wine that’s drinking at point today. Lots of black raspberries, green tobacco, wildflowers, cedarwood, and chalky minerality emerge from the glass, and it’s a rich, medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated Saint-Emilion that offers both depth of fruit and elegance. I would drink bottles any time over the coming decade while the fruit is still front and center. (06/2020)

Beautiful chocolate and blackberry aromas and flavors follow through to a full body, with soft, round tannins and a very long finish. Best after 2011.

Made when the proprietor was Dr. Alain Raynaud, this 2005 is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from a vineyard that is a true clos within the town of Libourne. Moderately intense mulberry and blueberry fruit are present in a medium-bodied, delicate and finesse style of dark ruby/purple-colored wine that is fresh and not nearly as powerful and extracted as most 2005s tend to be. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (06/2015)