2021 Quintessa Proprietary Red Napa Valley
The 2021 unfolds with Quintessa’s signature balance of complex fruit, precise structure, and vital freshness amplified by an especially beautiful growing season. Floral notes— violet and lilac—lift an intensely aromatic bouquet of cassis and black cherry accented with anise, bay laurel, and forest floor. On the palate, firm but fine-grained tannins back dark berry and savory herb flavors interwoven with graphite and iron. Generous texture carries the complex layers to a fine, chalky finish.
Most easily identified by its breathtaking stone wall that fronts the property on the Silverado Trail, this remarkable 280-acre Rutherford estate is the crown jewel in Agustin Huneeus’ kingdom. The last great “undiscovered property” in the Valley when it was purchased in 1989, the amazing potential of this heavenly plot of Earth gave them reason to believe that it could be one of the great wine estates of the world. Possessing a lake, its own minivalley, five hills, a river, four microclimates and numerous different soil types, few vineyards anywhere encompass such diversity. With a little hard work, serious winemaking talent in Charles Thomas, and a commitment to results in the bottle, Quintessa was born. One vineyard, one singular estate wine… the results speak for themselves!
Wine Enthusiast
An exquisite wine, relying primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon from a single estate. Aromas of lavender, dried herbs and grapefruit pith combine with flavors of firm fruits and cocoa on a structure of abundant, powder-fine tannin and a mouthwatering finish. This wine is refined, detailed and delicious, with as much elegance as energy.
James Suckling
So much graphite and volcanic character on the nose with metal shavings and gunpowder. Black ink, iron and rust, too. Blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Full-bodied but not overpowering, with chewy and juicy tannins that are long and very subtle. Superb finish. From biodynamic grapes with Demeter certification. 91% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc, 3% carmenere, 1% merlot, and 1% petit verdot.
Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2021 Proprietary Red was just bottled in July of this year and checks in as 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere, and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot, brought up in 64% new French oak. It offers pure blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and spicy oak, with a beautiful chalky, mineral note that comes through more on the palate. It's elegant, full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, good acidity, and terrific length. It's another gorgeous wine that will evolve for 15+ years.