CHÀTEAU QUINAULT L'ENCLOS, SAINT-ÉMILION

 

BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2018

 

 

Let me let you in on a little secret­ — something most wine lovers don't know:

Cheval Blanc, maker of probably the most celebrated wine of the 20th century and an estate of almost mythic reputation, also owns Château Quinault L’Enclos.

And while a Cheval routinely commands upwards of $600-700 a bottle — if you're lucky — you can find a Quinault L'Enclos for a mere fraction of that.

Like this marvelous Saint-Emilion 2018, which we're bringing you today for a best price of under $48 a bottle.

Same owners as Cheval.

Same appellation.

And most important of all: same winemaking team.


That would be no other than Pierre Lurton, the living legend who oversees the 20 hectare estate. All harvesting is done by hand, and the farming methods are completely organic. Unusual for a vineyard of this size in the Right Bank, the vineyard is planted in a single parcel. It doesn't hurt that the terroir is so conducive to making superior wine. Rocks, sand, gravel, and clay make up the soil, while many of the vines are nearly half a century old, with some dating back nearly 90 years.

Beginning with the 2014 vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon was introduced into the blend for the first time, and, as we experienced in our recent tasting, it has brought greater definition to the wine.

The changes since the Cheval team came aboard have been dramatic, and the critics have more than taken note. Jane Anson of Decanter swooned over the transformation, remarking, in her 94 point rave, that it possessed "extremely tight dark fruits," including brambled blackberries and cassis, "quite a change in profile from a decade ago. ... Delicious, savory and sappy, with crushed mint on the finish."

Jeff Dunnuck declared it to be “up with the finest vintages I’ve tasted of this cuvée,” calling it an “elegant, silky wine that has terrific complexity and purity and predicting that it will “drink nicely in its youth yet also evolve gracefully.”

A brief note about that aging potential: Lurton has opted to mature it in 50% new oak, mainly in large-format casks. The result has been to bring more freshness and energy to the wine.

Both were in evidence in our recent tasting. And given the structure and finesse that were also on display, we feel confident in saying this will bring you and your friends many handsome rewards.

And just think: for less than the going price of a Cheval Blanc, you could have an entire case of Saint-Emilion from the same Cheval team!

This incredible offer will only be available for one week, so act quickly to stock your cellar!

 

 


 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in 8-12 Weeks. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.