Quinault l'Enclos 2008

Much like the 2010, this blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, with a little Malbec thrown in, exhibits a dark plum color and notes of raspberries, roasted herbs, incense, wet rocks and herbs. It is a medium-bodied, very evolved, elegant wine to drink over the next 8-9 years.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Quinault l'Enclos 2008 has a muffled nose that unfortunately here is dominated by dry woody aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with dry chalky tannins, a little bitter towards the finish but decent length. Just rather unexciting. Tasted January 2012.

A combination of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, the 2008 was cropped at what may be the lowest yields ever for Quinault, 18 hectoliters per hectare. Its natural alcohol content is among the highest ever, 13.5%. The 2008 is a stylish, classic Quinault exhibiting abundant blueberry and raspberry notes intermixed with hints of toasty new oak, forest floor, and earth. The wine is medium-bodied and elegant with sweet tannin, and slightly less power and oak than usual. It should drink well for 12-15 years.With the sale of this property to the owners of Cheval Blanc and the subsequent departure of Alain Raynaud to his family estates of La Croix de Gay and La Fleur de Gay, the winemaking at Quinault l'Enclos has changed slightly, but the high percentage of new oak and general blend are largely unaffected.