“Incredibly elegant and built for long-term cellaring.” – Decanter

APPY FRIDAY!

Listen in Ops. Hot out the gates – it’s the release of what’s destined to be a legendary wine…

Initial press is in – already with DOUBLE 99’s and DOUBLE 98’s, the one-and-only Quintessa!

Thanks to your support of past vintages, they are giving us early access to this blue-chip beauty. Built for the ages, it’s a must for any Napa Cult enthusiast!

For over thirty years, Agustin and Valeria Huneeus have tended Quintessa as both promise and place – a living commitment to the land. Nestled in eastern Rutherford, the estate is a mosaic of rolling vineyards, oak woodlands, and diverse soils shaped by ancient geology. Each vintage, including the powerhouse 2023, reflects the harmony between nature and thoughtful stewardship. Quintessa stands as a rare expression of elegance born from balance, patience, and deep respect for its terroir.

As we mentioned, just a couple notches off perfection – TWICE – with DOUBLE 99 Points! Putting it on par in Decanter’s estimation with the likes of Dana Estates Hershey Vineyard, Realm To Kalon, Scarecrow, & Screaming Eagle!!! And we don’t have to tell you – those sell for A LOT MORE!

Born in 1989, inspired by “Quinta Essence” as the 5 elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. And per Wine Advocate it’s pretty obvious that “this superbly situated estate, off Silverado Trail in eastern Rutherford, is turning out some excellent wines under the leadership of Rebekah Wineburg.” It has been a blue-chip wine since its first vintage, and for good reason.

And we know you’re aware, but 2023 was an exceptional vintage for Napa. As Decanter points out, “Readers should bear in mind that the 2023 growing season offered Napa producers the luxury of time: a long, relatively mild growing season with extended hang time for grapes and above-average yields – the kind of year that’s being widely described as ‘the vintage of a lifetime’.”

If you’ve been curious about Quintessa, but never taken the plunge, 2023 if the perfect vintage to start.

Dense and viscous, it’s incredibly youthful and vibrant, rippling with energetic intensity. Laden with ripe blackberry and blueberry, lifted by hints of violet, graphite, mint, and toasted exotic spices, the superb complexity is only a hint of what’s to come. It’s the kind of wine that grabs your imagination, and doesn’t let go. The secret you ask? Although a tiny portion of the final blend, the magical subliminal complexity tiny amounts of Carménère, Petit Verdot and Merlot add to its texture and aromatic depth. They’re undeniable in this haunting wine.

As James Suckling puts it in his 99 Point recommendation, “What an exceptional release.”

Be among the first to get some. It’s gonna go, FAST!

99 Points – Decanter “A marvelously bright red from winemaker Rebekah Wineburg, remarkably fragrant in its mineral elegance of the dusty red pulverized earth that is so characteristic of the Rutherford AVA, also appearing on the palate as fine, gravelly, cocoa-powder infused tannins. Pure-fruited, with ripe cassis and blackberry notes, salted dark chocolate, and a full-bodied personality, radiant with exotic floral notes of hibiscus and red rose, with a touch of dried sage and rosemary that adds further complexity. Incredibly elegant and built for long-term cellaring. The full blend includes: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carménère, 2% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. After 20 days of maceration, the wine was aged for 22 months in 60% new French oak barrels and 3% in a terracotta amphora. Drink 2026-2050.”

99 Points – James Suckling “Luscious dark fruit that’s soft and supple. Aromas of blackberries, currants, violets, graphite, licorice, spices, dried flowers and chalk. The palate is densely packed, with dark fruit, fine minerally tannins and bright acidity, bringing a rustic, ferric feel and a bright, fresh and focused profile. What an exceptional release. Made from 90% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 2% carmenere, 2% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Aged in 60% new French oak. Drink or hold.”

98 Points – The Wine Palate “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carménère, 2% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. It waltzes out with energetic notes of fresh black currants, wild blueberries, and violets, giving way to nuances of mint tea, pencil lead, and anise. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled, revealing layers of black and blue fruit with firm, exquisitely ripe tannins and a racy line to support, finishing long and perfumed. Very impressive! Drink 2028-2046.”

98 Points – Wine Enthusiast “The 2023 Quintessa shines with clarity, detail, and poise. A remarkable wine. Violets and lavender lift from the glass, carrying with them aromas of black currants, tobacco and cedar. Cashmere like tannins join brightening acidity delivering elegance, restraint, and durability for aging. Will benefit from decanting if opening now, but will develop in bottle beautifully.”