Darker cherry and earthier notes emerge from the 2016 Le Dragon de Quintus, a medium-bodied, ripe, impressive second wine that has good sweetness of fruit as well as purity. It plays in the more elegant style of the vintage and is perfect for drinking over the coming decade.

Blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 le Dragon de Quintus leaps from the glass with bold blackberry preserves, stewed plums and wild blueberry scents plus suggestions of new leather, menthol and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and blue fruit preserves with a velvety frame and lovely spicy sparks on the finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

This has a rich and warm expression of plum sauce and blackberry preserve flavors, laced with subtle black tea and singed incense notes. The fresh acidity lets the finish hang nicely. Accessible now. Drink now through 2028. 3,400 cases made. — JM