2019 Chateau Quinault L'Enclos Saint Emilion Grand Clu Classe Bordeaux 750 ml

With four-digit pricing, miniscule production, and legendary quality, Cheval Blanc enjoys mythic status among Bordeaux collectors as the champion of Saint-Émilion.

Yet just down the road at Quinault L’Enclos, the same vineyard and winemaking teams produce one of the best values on the Right Bank.

“I continue to love this wine,” said Jeb Dunnuck in his 94-point review of the 2019, adding, “I think it's undervalued in the market.” He’s got a point. Based on recent critical praise, Quinault L’Enclos’ reputation has started to catch up to the quality in the bottle—even though its pricing hasn’t.  

It’s hard to imagine a château with Cheval Blanc’s Pierre Lurton as its winemaker counting as under the radar, but for a long time this Right Bank estate was an underperformer. It was known only for its potential until 2008, when Bernard Arnault and Albert Frere bought the property.

The attraction for the pair was obvious: Quinault L’Enclos boasts exceptionally old vines by the standards of Bordeaux—some go as far back as 1934, with another major section planted after the legendary frost of ‘56—sits in deep sandy-gravel soils near the town of Libourne, and, unlike some estates, occupies one contiguous plot, making it easy to farm.

The new ownership immediately transitioned the vineyards to organic farming, earning certification in 2012. Lurton’s team at Cheval Blanc took over the winemaking as well, moving to a more classically restrained approach, and the wines have been on a rocket-like trajectory ever since. 

Silky and accessible while young but capable of aging for a decade-plus, this 2019 Quinault L’Enclos offers character and class that will play brilliantly on your dinner table tonight and for years to come.