▴ Quintessa 2021
Quintessa 2021, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
The 2021 growing season at Quintessa began with a dry winter and a cool spring followed by a warm summer that provided a small crop with small, high quality clusters of grapes. All of which can be seen and tasted in this benchmark estate wine. Harvest began on September 8 and finished on October 18. Thereafter the Cabernet dominated blend was aged in French oak barriques (65% new and 32% neutral), while 3% was also put into amphora for the first time. The colour is deep, bright and youthful – saturated at the core and purple at the rim. On the nose, primary blackberry and cherry aromas dominate alongside a flourish of iris. The palate has Quintessa’s signature complexity, style and irresistible charm. This is a concentrated wine with gorgeous flavours of kirsch, sweet cassis, dark cherry together with mocha and liquorice. Beautifully balanced, the fresh acidity matches the plush tannins which are dense but finely wrought. The structure is powerful and intense but not heavy and it wears its 14.5% alcohol lightly. The dry finish is elegantly sustained. It is already wonderfully approachable now but will age and develop for another two decades, at least. 14.5%
Drink now to 2044+
Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot.
Price: £1,100 per case of six.
Review Oct 2024, JS