Quintus, Chateau
Summary
Château Quintus is a 28-hectare Saint-Émilion estate established in 2011 by Domaine Clarence Dillon, producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from limestone plateau vineyards arranged in a natural amphitheater with diverse microclimates. The estate combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with modern precision through plot-by-plot management and separate parcel vinification, reflecting the considerable expertise and resources that have quickly positioned it as a significant Right Bank producer.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Quintus was established in 2011 by Domaine Clarence Dillon, the family company that has owned Château Haut-Brion since 1935. The estate was created when Domaine Clarence Dillon acquired Château Tertre Daugay, a historic Saint-Émilion property with roots dating back several centuries. In 2013, the estate expanded significantly with the acquisition of neighboring Château L'Arrosée, bringing the total vineyard area to 28 hectares.
Prince Robert of Luxembourg, great-grandson of Clarence Dillon, serves as Chairman and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon and has been instrumental in the development of Château Quintus. Under his leadership, the estate has undergone substantial investment in both vineyard management and winemaking facilities. The name "Quintus" references the Roman practice of naming their fifth child Quintus, symbolizing this property as the fifth child in the Domaine Clarence Dillon family of estates, joining Châteaux Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Quintus encompasses 28 hectares of vineyards situated on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. The property occupies a privileged position on one of the appellation's highest points, with vineyards spread across a natural amphitheater offering diverse exposures. This topographical variety creates a mosaic of microclimates that contributes to the complexity of the wines.
The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot (66%) and Cabernet Franc (26%) with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon (8%), reflecting the traditional Right Bank composition. The soils consist primarily of limestone and clay-limestone mixtures typical of Saint-Émilion's best terroirs. Many vines exceed 30 years of age, with some parcels dating back 50 years or more.
The estate produces two wines: the Grand Vin Château Quintus and a second wine, Le Dragon de Quintus. Both wines undergo meticulous sorting and fermentation in temperature-controlled vessels before aging in French oak barrels, with the Grand Vin typically receiving a higher percentage of new oak.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Quintus combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking methods with modern precision. The winemaking team employs plot-by-plot management throughout the growing season, allowing for targeted viticultural practices based on each parcel's specific needs. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with multiple passes through the vineyard to ensure optimal ripeness.
In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, with each vineyard parcel vinified separately to preserve its unique characteristics. The Grand Vin typically ages for 16-18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 30-40% new oak, while Le Dragon de Quintus sees a lower percentage of new oak.
The estate's philosophy centers on expressing the distinctive character of its Saint-Émilion terroir while maintaining the precision and elegance that characterizes all Domaine Clarence Dillon properties. This approach includes rigorous selection at every stage of production, from vineyard management to final blending, ensuring that only the finest expression of the estate's terroir reaches the bottle.