Notes:
Quintessa, like all classic wines of the world, bears the same name as the vineyard from which it is made. Our goal is to produce the best expression of this extraordinary vineyard each year. In broad terms, Quintessa is a red meritage wine. Each year, it is a blend that can include some or all of the five varietals grown on the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. The vineyard's diversity provides us wide stylistic options for the wine. Fruit from each component block of Quintessa is harvested, sorted, then gravity fed into either oak or stainless steel fermentation tanks. Once fermentation and maceration are complete, each block wine is aged separately for up to two years in french oak barrels in our caves. After this aging period the components are brought together and the final Quintessa blend is created. The wine is then bottled and laid down for yet another year before release. Although each vintage is unique, we have discovered that finesse and elegance best express the character of the vineyard and as such, we blend for harmony, balance, and length of flavors. Above all, our objective is to make Quintessa a delicious wine that is complementary to food. -Agustin Huneeus Vintner/Proprietor
Aromas of spearmint, sweet tobacco, cigars and blackcurrants follow through to a medium to full body, very polished and refined tannins and an intense finish. Extremely fine and long. Savory. Extremely long finish. Biodynamically grown. - James Suckling 97 Points - TOP 100 NAPA AND SONOMA WINES OF 2017 #51
The three red wines are represented best by the flagship wine, the 2014 Quintessa Proprietary Red from their vineyards in Rutherford. A beautiful floral, black raspberry and blackcurrant nose soars from this dense ruby/purple wine. Medium-bodied, beautifully rich and layered, the emphasis is on discreet yet intense flavors, power allied with elegance, and wonderfully supple, lush tannins. This wine has great balance, purity, and presence on the palate and should evolve beautifully for two decades or more. - Robert Parker 94 Points
Very ripe, juicy and expressive black plum is joined by savoury notes of tobacco leaf and woodsmoke. The herbal notes hint at the exotic addition of Carmenere and spicy Petit Verdot. The body is full, smooth and ripe, the firm and fine mesh of tannins supple and elastic. This charms with generosity and warmth alongside its firm but approachable structure. - Decanter Magazine 93 Points
A potent, distinctive style, with loamy earth and graphite details amid the rich dark berry, licorice and savory herb notes, ending with repeating flavor themes and a foundation of firm, fine-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. Drink now through 2032. 9,000 cases made. -JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 92 Points
