Quintessa 2021 Red Blend, Rutherford, Napa Valley

The Iconic Napa Valley red, Quintessa is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend from estate vineyards in the heart of the Rutherford Bench district. The estate is farmed using organic and biodynamic techniques, and each year they make a deeper connection between the soils and the terroir, interpreting the property holistically.

The wine 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. 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 of wine is aged separately for up to two years in French oak barrels. After aging, the components are brought together and the final blend is created.

This 2021 is the latest release. It's a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere, 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 60% new French oak barrels.

Wine Enthusiast named this apart of their Cellar Selection as well as scoring it 100 points, saying, "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. Best 2026–2040."

James Suckling scored this 99 points saying, "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."

Jeb Dunnuck gave this 98 points saying, “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.”