L’ABSOLU DE QUINAULT L’ENCLOS 2006

Description

Robert Parker 91 points www.robertparker.com

I rarely taste the limited cuvee of l’Absolut de Quinault, an experimental 9,000 bottle effort that is completely vinified in small barrels as opposed to tank or wood cuves. The 2006 reveals a deep ruby/purple color, sweet cassis, raspberry, graphite, spring flower, and crushed rock characteristics, medium to full body, and a stunningly pure, long finish. This beauty should drink well for 10-15 years.

My visit to Chateau Quinault and seeing proprietor Alain Raynaud was tinged with sadness as the world economic climate has forced him to sell Quinault l’Enclos to the owners of Cheval Blanc. Hopefully they will continue to produce wine at this vineyard, which is essentially a true clos (a walled vineyard), but the land is even more valuable as real estate since it is in the city of Libourne, and is surrounded by housing projects. Time will tell, but Raynaud deserves credit for creating a legacy from a terroir that was much maligned when he purchased it, only to prove everyone wrong.