Located in the northeastern corner of Rutherford, Quintessa is one of the most scenic and geographically unique properties of the Napa Valley. Founded by Agustin and Valeria Huneeus in 1990, they have moved from sustainable farming in 1990 to organic farming in 1995 and now biodynamic farming since 2000. The winery was grafted into one of the property's many hills, which utilizes gravity flow. Their flagship wine, the Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from their 280 acre vineyard. Agustin Huneeus is one of the preeminent Napa winemakers, previously working at Concha y Toro and Concannon before starting Quintessa. The new 2014 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) is a stunning wine that shows true Napa character and incredible richness and tension. This is a downright awesome wine that is meant to cellar for at least a decade. Huneeus also wanted to craft a white wine for Quintessa, and he planted a small plot of Sauvignon Blanc at Quintessa estate. The resultant wine, the 2015 Illumination White Wine (WWB, 93) is a stunning rich Sauvignon Blanc wine that has remarkable texture and depth. This wine is consistently up there with the best Sauvignon Blanc made in Napa Valley. Learn more about Quintessa at https://www.quintessa.com Here are the new wines by Quintessa.
2014 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 Quintessa is a profound wine that needs an hour in the decanter to settle. Once aroused the wine opens with a whiff of fresh oak followed by baked dark fruits mingling with chocolate and wild mushroom tones. The palate is exceedingly plush and dense as the lovely rich mouthfeel entices the senses. The body of the wine showcases tar, coffee grounds and coconut. This is an opulent, defined wine that shows refined tannins and a long, dark fruit driven finish. If enjoying young, be sure to give this a long decant. Drink 2017-2032- 95 (J.H.)
2015 Illumination White Wine- The 2015 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is another fascinating effort from the talented winemaking team at Quintessa. This wonderful blend of 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sauvignon Musqué and 13% Semillon was aged in a combination of concrete eggs, largely used oak and stainless steel prior to bottling. This gorgeous wine opens with a bright bouquet of starfruit, cantaloupe, nutmeg and brioche nuances. The texture and weight of this wine is rather profound as flavors of honeydew melon, sliced apple, bosc pear and baking spices seamlessly persist through the long, complex finish. Delicious now, yet also shows the potential to take on some short-term cellaring. Drink 2017-2025- 93