Quintessa 2016
A generous pour into a glass will reveal stunning deep purple almost black in color, shimmering in the glass. Seductive aromas of fresh blackberries, crème of cassis, blueberries, dark cherries, cigar box and rich earth pours from the glass. Elegance, refinement, and sophistication exude from the glass establishing boundaries of expectation.
One sip will reveal that your expectations have been met and exceeded. Exceptional balance is immediately apparent.
Seamless layers of dark and red fruits sweep you away to the rows of vines in Rutherford at dusk, with the legendary ‘Rutherford Dust’ gently cradling the whole experience. There is subdued power sitting between the layers of fruits with hints of vanilla, red raspberries, dark chocolate, spices, with just a hint of truffles completes this wine.
Silky smooth, velvet mouthfeel from start to finish, frames a richness with impressive depth and complexity. Add 8 years of bottle aging to temper the tannins and you have a complete package to drink now, with a few hours of decanting, or be patient, and watch it develop over the next decade or two.
Did I mention small amounts of Carménère and Petit Verdot were added to complete the blend, making it a ‘Bordeaux Blend’ from Napa.
Most definitely lives up to the 98-point rating from James Suckling.
Food Pairings should be worthy of this exceptional wine. Seek out the finest cut of red meat you can find: Japanese Kobe beef, Japanese Wagyu beef, American Wagyu beef, Tomahawk Steak (bone-in rib eye), and filet mignon would all be excellent choices.
Vine to Table 