Château Quintus
Le Dragon de Quintus
2016
From 55 EUR from 1 retailers
The second wine of Château Quintus, combining Merlot-driven fruit with Cabernet Franc freshness, supple texture and refined Saint-Émilion structure.
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux - Saint-Emilion
Number of retailers: 1
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Sweden
Le Dragon de Quintus
2016
More information
Producer
Château Quintus – A Contemporary Expression of Saint-Émilion
Château Quintus is a Saint-Émilion wine estate belonging to Domaine Clarence Dillon, the family-owned group responsible for Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Established under its present identity in 2011, Quintus brings together historic vineyards with contrasting exposures and soils to create wines that reflect the diversity of Bordeaux's Right Bank.
Situated on a limestone promontory overlooking the Dordogne valley, the estate combines Merlot and Cabernet Franc with a philosophy centred on vineyard selection, precise blending and respect for terroir. Its wines emphasise purity of fruit, freshness, textural refinement and balance, while retaining the structure required for bottle ageing.
Quick Facts
AttributeDetails
Producer
Château Quintus
Location
Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
Appellation
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Established
2011, under its present identity
Owner
Domaine Clarence Dillon
Principal Grape Varieties
Merlot and Cabernet Franc
History and Identity
The Creation of Château Quintus
The modern history of Château Quintus began in 2011, when Domaine Clarence Dillon acquired Château Tertre Daugay, a historic Saint-Émilion property.
Under the direction of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the estate was renamed Château Quintus and developed around the ambition of bringing together complementary vineyard terroirs under a single identity.
The name Quintus derives from the Latin word for fifth, reflecting both the property's place within the Dillon family's wine heritage and the symbolism of a fifth element representing the essence of a whole.
The estate expanded significantly in 2013 through the acquisition of neighbouring Château L'Arrosée, whose vineyards were incorporated into Quintus.
A further milestone followed in 2021 with the acquisition of Château Grand-Pontet, adding another important collection of Saint-Émilion vineyard parcels.
These acquisitions transformed Quintus into an estate combining three historic properties, each contributing its own soils, exposures and vineyard characteristics.
The result is a contemporary Bordeaux estate built upon centuries of Saint-Émilion viticultural history.
Estate, Vineyards and Terroir
A Mosaic of Saint-Émilion Terroirs
Château Quintus occupies approximately 45 hectares, including around 42 hectares of vineyards, following its expansion in 2021.
The estate's most distinctive geographical feature is its position on a limestone promontory rising approximately 62 metres above the surrounding landscape.
From this elevated position, the property overlooks the Dordogne valley and benefits from a variety of vineyard exposures.
Its principal soil types include limestone, clay and clay-limestone, with variations in depth, drainage and orientation creating different growing conditions across the estate.
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the principal grape varieties.
Merlot contributes fruit concentration, suppleness and texture, while Cabernet Franc provides aromatic definition, freshness and structural precision.
The combination of different vineyard parcels allows the estate to select and assemble wines according to the characteristics of each growing season.
Rather than relying on one uniform vineyard profile, Quintus draws its identity from the interaction of multiple terroirs.
Viticulture and Biodiversity
Preserving the Vineyard Ecosystem
Château Quintus places considerable emphasis on biodiversity and environmental management.
The estate's landscape includes vineyards, wooded areas, hedgerows, terraces and a distinctive Mediterranean green belt.
Approximately two hectares of gardens and terraces provide habitats for insects, birds and other wildlife that contribute to the vineyard ecosystem.
The estate has introduced measures including the planting of native hedgerows, wildflower areas, nesting boxes and insect shelters.
Mechanical soil disturbance and mowing are limited where appropriate to encourage ecological diversity.
Its environmental management has been recognised through High Environmental Value certification since 2018 and ISO 14001 certification since 2019, within the collective environmental management framework for Bordeaux wine producers.
These measures form part of the estate's broader objective of maintaining healthy soils and preserving the individual character of its vineyard parcels.
Production and Winemaking
Precision Through Selection and Blending
Winemaking at Château Quintus is guided by the characteristics of each harvest and the diversity of its vineyard parcels.
Grapes are selected according to ripeness, quality and their suitability for the estate's different wines.
Parcel selection allows the winemaking team to evaluate individual components before determining the final assemblages.
The relationship between Merlot and Cabernet Franc is central to this process, with the proportions adjusted according to vintage conditions.
Fermentation and extraction are managed to preserve fruit expression while developing balanced tannins and structure.
Maturation in oak contributes to the integration and development of the wines, although the proportion of new barrels and the precise ageing regime vary between vintages.
The estate's approach prioritises harmony between fruit, structure, freshness and the mineral character associated with its limestone-influenced terroirs.
Exact grape blends, alcohol levels, harvest dates and oak maturation details belong to individual vintage pages rather than the producer's permanent profile.
Style and Identity
Elegance, Freshness and Structure
The wines of Château Quintus express a style centred on balance rather than concentration alone.
Merlot contributes generous fruit and a supple texture, while Cabernet Franc introduces freshness, aromatic lift and structural definition.
The estate's limestone and clay-limestone soils contribute to wines that combine depth with tension and precision.
Across the portfolio, the stylistic emphasis is on pure fruit, fine tannins, integrated structure and a persistent finish.
The flagship Château Quintus is designed for greater depth and ageing potential, while the estate's other wines offer different expressions of the same vineyard origins.
The resulting identity can be summarised as:
Historic Saint-Émilion terroirs → Merlot and Cabernet Franc → precise selection → harmonious blending → refined tannins → freshness → ageing potential.
Portfolio
Château Quintus
The estate's Grand Vin
Château Quintus is the flagship wine of the property.
Produced from selected vineyard parcels, it combines Merlot and Cabernet Franc in proportions determined by each vintage.
Its identity centres on fruit purity, aromatic complexity, refined tannins and the capacity to develop with bottle ageing.
Le Dragon de Quintus
The estate's second wine
Le Dragon de Quintus takes its name from the bronze dragon sculpture overlooking the estate.
Produced from the same broader collection of vineyard terroirs, it offers a more immediately approachable expression of the Quintus style.
Fresh fruit, supple texture and balanced structure are central to its identity.
Saint-Émilion de Quintus
An accessible expression of the estate
Saint-Émilion de Quintus completes the producer's current portfolio.
Made with the same attention to vineyard selection and winemaking, it emphasises freshness, generosity and approachability.
The wine provides an introduction to the character of Quintus and the wider Saint-Émilion appellation.
The producer confirms these three distinct wines in its current portfolio.
Explore Château Quintus Wines
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Country
Region
Bordeaux - Saint-Emilion
Saint-Émilion is one of the most respected wine appellations in Bordeaux and has long been recognised for producing refined, age-worthy wines of exceptional quality. Located on the Right Bank of the Dordogne River, this historic appellation combines centuries of winemaking tradition with distinctive terroir, creating elegant Merlot-dominant wines that are celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Established as an AOC in 1936, Saint-Émilion represents the finest expression of Right Bank winemaking.
The appellation benefits from diverse soils that define its wines. The plateau and côtes feature limestone and clay-limestone terroirs that produce structured, mineral-driven wines with remarkable ageing potential, while the lower slopes contain sandy and gravelly soils that yield softer, more approachable expressions. Merlot dominates the blend, typically complemented by Cabernet Franc and occasionally Cabernet Sauvignon, creating wines of elegance, depth and finesse.
Saint-Émilion is home to its own classification system, revised approximately every decade, which recognises Premiers Grands Crus Classés A estates such as Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, alongside distinguished Premiers Grands Crus Classés B and Grands Crus Classés properties. Notable producers including Château Pavie, Château Figeac and Château Canon demonstrate the appellation's benchmark for quality and terroir expression.
Whether exploring classified estates, exceptional vintages or the appellation's rich medieval heritage, Saint-Émilion offers a distinguished introduction to Right Bank Bordeaux. Discover Saint-Émilion wines, compare prices from trusted merchants across Europe and find the best offers with Sipfind.
Grapes
Merlot is one of the world’s most important red wine grapes, celebrated for its generous fruit, supple texture and ability to produce wines ranging from approachable and elegant to exceptionally complex and long-lived. Originating in Bordeaux, France, Merlot is particularly associated with the Right Bank, where it forms the foundation of many of the prestigious wines of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.
Merlot typically expresses flavours and aromas of plum, black cherry, blackberry and red fruits, often developing notes of chocolate, tobacco, cedar, herbs and earthy complexity with maturation. Its naturally rounded texture and generally softer tannin profile distinguish it from Cabernet Sauvignon, although the finest examples can possess considerable structure, freshness and ageing potential.
In Pomerol, Merlot reaches some of its most celebrated expressions, particularly on the appellation’s clay-rich soils, producing wines of remarkable concentration, texture and complexity. In Saint-Émilion, it is commonly blended with Cabernet Franc and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon, creating wines that combine ripe fruit with structure, aromatic complexity and longevity.
Beyond Bordeaux, Merlot is widely cultivated in Italy, California, Washington State, Chile and other major wine regions. It can be produced as a varietal wine or used as a central component of blends, where its fruit and texture complement more structured grape varieties.
From the great Merlot-based wines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank to leading expressions around the world, Merlot’s combination of rich fruit, refined texture and capacity to express terroir has established it as one of the defining varieties of fine red wine.
Cabernet Franc is one of France’s most historic red wine grapes, valued for its aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity and ability to express both climate and soil with remarkable clarity. It produces elegant single-varietal wines and plays an essential role in some of Bordeaux’s most distinguished blends. Earlier ripening than Cabernet Sauvignon allows Cabernet Franc to perform particularly well in cooler wine regions.
In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc reaches its clearest expression as a varietal wine. Typical aromas include redcurrant, raspberry, red cherry and violet, often accompanied by graphite, dried herbs, tobacco and subtle peppery notes. Naturally fresh acidity and finely structured tannins can produce approachable, fruit-driven wines as well as complex examples capable of developing for many years.
The variety is especially important in Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. Chinon can range from fragrant and supple to deeply structured and age-worthy, depending on vineyard site and soil. Bourgueil often combines dark red fruit with firm structure, while Saumur-Champigny is renowned for freshness, aromatic purity and refined texture. Limestone-rich tuffeau, gravel, sand and clay all contribute to the diversity of Cabernet Franc across these Loire appellations.
In Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is principally associated with the Right Bank, particularly Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Usually blended with Merlot and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, it contributes perfume, freshness, savoury complexity and structural precision. On suitable limestone and clay terroirs, Cabernet Franc can become a dominant component of exceptionally refined and long-lived wines.
Beyond France, Cabernet Franc is cultivated in regions including Tuscany, Bolgheri, Napa Valley, Washington State, Canada, Argentina and Chile, producing styles shaped by local climate and terroir. Traditionally known as Breton in the Loire and Bouchet in parts of Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc’s combination of aromatic elegance, freshness and ageing potential establishes it as one of the world’s great red wine varieties.
History and Style
Le Dragon de Quintus – The Second Wine of Château Quintus
Le Dragon de Quintus is the second wine of Château Quintus, the Saint-Émilion estate owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon, whose Bordeaux properties also include Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion.
Produced principally from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Le Dragon de Quintus shares the terroir and viticultural philosophy of the Grand Vin while expressing a deliberately accessible character. Generous fruit, aromatic freshness, supple texture and polished tannins define a wine designed to reveal the character of the estate with greater immediacy.
Quick Facts
AttributeDetails
Producer
Château Quintus
Wine
Le Dragon de Quintus
Category
Red Bordeaux / Second Wine
Appellation
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Region
Bordeaux, France
Principal Grapes
Merlot and Cabernet Franc
History and Identity
The Dragon of Quintus
The identity of Le Dragon de Quintus is closely connected to one of Château Quintus's most recognisable symbols: the dragon sculpture overlooking the estate and the Dordogne valley.
The dragon has become part of the visual identity of Quintus, symbolising its elevated position and commanding outlook across the surrounding landscape. The second wine takes its name directly from this emblem.
Le Dragon de Quintus occupies a clearly defined position within the estate's hierarchy:
Château Quintus → Grand Vin
Le Dragon de Quintus → Second Wine
Saint-Émilion de Quintus → broader accessible expression
It should therefore be treated by Sipfind as a completely separate wine entity, with its own vintages, critic scores, merchant offers and price history.
The distinction is important. Le Dragon is not simply a lower-priced version of Château Quintus; vineyard and cellar selection determine which components are considered best suited to the particular style and structure of each wine.
Vineyards and Terroir
The Saint-Émilion Landscape of Château Quintus
Le Dragon de Quintus originates from the broader vineyard environment of Château Quintus in Saint-Émilion.
The estate encompasses a mosaic of vineyard parcels across an elevated landscape, with limestone, clay and clay-limestone soils forming important components of its terroir.
This diversity allows individual parcels to develop different characteristics depending on soil depth, water availability, exposure and growing conditions.
Merlot is particularly well adapted to the clay-influenced soils of Saint-Émilion and forms the principal foundation of Le Dragon de Quintus. Cabernet Franc provides an important complementary role, contributing aromatic lift, freshness and structural definition.
Selection is fundamental. Rather than defining Le Dragon permanently through a fixed set of parcels, Sipfind should regard vineyard sourcing as potentially vintage-dependent.
The permanent master identity is therefore:
Château Quintus estate terroir → Saint-Émilion → Merlot and Cabernet Franc → second-wine selection.
Viticulture and Selection
From Vineyard Parcel to Final Assemblage
The production of Le Dragon begins with the same vineyard management philosophy applied across Château Quintus.
Individual plots are monitored throughout the growing season, with harvesting decisions determined by the development and maturity of the fruit.
Following harvest and vinification, individual lots can be evaluated for their aromatic character, structure, texture and overall balance.
This selection process ultimately determines the composition of the different wines produced by the estate.
For Le Dragon de Quintus, the objective is not simply maximum concentration. The wine instead emphasises fruit expression, suppleness and accessibility while retaining the freshness and structural precision associated with Château Quintus.
The exact parcels contributing to a particular release can change, which is why detailed vineyard information should remain attached to the relevant vintage rather than the permanent bottle page.
Blend
Merlot at the Core
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the principal varieties associated with Le Dragon de Quintus.
Merlot typically forms the foundation, providing ripe fruit, breadth and a rounded mid-palate.
Cabernet Franc can contribute freshness, floral and savoury aromatic complexity and additional structural definition.
Their precise proportions vary according to vintage conditions and the estate's selection process.
Consequently, Sipfind should never assign one particular year's percentages to the master wine.
Instead:
Master product: Merlot-led Saint-Émilion blend, principally with Cabernet Franc.
Vintage page: exact grape composition and percentages.
This distinction becomes particularly important for AI search because a user asking about a particular vintage should receive the composition of that release rather than an apparently universal blend derived from another year.
Production and Maturation
A More Immediate Expression of Quintus
Le Dragon de Quintus is vinified with the objective of preserving fruit expression while achieving supple, integrated tannins.
Winemaking decisions are adapted to the characteristics of each harvest and the individual lots selected for the wine.
Oak maturation contributes additional texture and integration, but the precise élevage programme can vary between releases.
Exact details such as:
new-oak percentage → maturation period → alcohol → harvest dates → production quantity
should therefore be stored at vintage level.
This allows the permanent Le Dragon de Quintus page to remain accurate as new vintages are released.
Style and Tasting Profile
Generous Fruit, Freshness and Supple Structure
Le Dragon de Quintus is intended to provide a more immediately expressive interpretation of the Château Quintus terroir.
Merlot gives the wine its central fruit character and rounded texture, while Cabernet Franc contributes freshness and aromatic complexity.
Depending upon vintage, the aromatic profile may move between red and darker fruits, floral notes, spice and subtle savoury elements.
The structural identity is generally softer and more approachable than the Grand Vin, while retaining enough tannin and freshness to provide definition and support bottle development.
For SCI, its stable stylistic DNA is best represented as:
Merlot fruit → aromatic freshness → supple texture → polished tannins → balanced structure → approachable Saint-Émilion expression.
We should avoid permanently assigning specific descriptors such as blackberry, violet, cedar or liquorice to the master page simply because they appear in tasting notes for individual vintages.
Ageing and Serving
Accessible Young, Capable of Development
One of the defining characteristics of Le Dragon de Quintus is its balance between early accessibility and the ability to develop in bottle.
Its Merlot-led profile and supple tannin structure can make the wine approachable earlier than the Grand Vin, while its freshness and structure allow stronger vintages to evolve further with age.
The appropriate drinking window nevertheless depends on the individual vintage.
Sipfind should therefore store:
Drinking Window → Vintage Level
rather than assigning a universal ageing period to Le Dragon de Quintus.
Young, structured vintages may also benefit from decanting, while mature bottles should be handled according to their condition and stage of development.
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