An extraordinarily elegant Quinault with remarkable purity and texture has been produced in 2006. This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc achieved 13.5% natural alcohol, and enjoys every state-of-the-art winemaking technique, most of them Burgundy-inspired (especially the cold pre-fermentation maceration, malolactic in barrel, and aging on its lees with plenty of batonnage). A top-notch success for proprietor Alain Raynaud and his wife, Francoise, this deep ruby/purple-colored effort exhibits sweet aromas of spring flowers, blueberries, and raspberries. Medium-bodied and layered, with attractive sweetness, ripe tannin, a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol, and a long finish, it will drink beautifully in 3-4 years, and should last for 15 or more thereafter. Tasted: April 2007; Rating: 92-94 Points; Robert Parker; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate