-
100
/ 100
Wine Enthusiast -
99
/ 100
James Suckling -
98
/ 100
Jeb Dunnuck -
98
/ 100
Decanter
Red
Classification
Red Blends
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
USA
Country
California, Napa County
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
5-10 Years
Cellaring
Scores
100 / 100"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."
- Wine Enthusiast
99 / 100
"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. Drinkable now, but better in 2027."
- James Suckling
98 / 100
"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."
- Jeb Dunnuck
98 / 100
"Medium to full-bodied, suave and silky, all class and elegance… If one were to have a complaint about it (hardly likely), it's that it comes across as almost too polished, too elegant, too easy to drink"
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
Quintessa, a "Cru" in the heart of Napa Valley
Quintessa, located in Rutherford, spans 280 acres with diverse geology, biodiversity, and microclimates. Founders Agustin and Valeria Huneeus envisioned it as a world-class wine estate. The 160 acres of vineyards include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère, across 26 unique blocks. Each block is organically and biodynamically farmed, and vinified individually to capture its distinct character.
Quintessa 2021, balance, precision and freshness!
A dry winter marked the start of 2021. Spring was refreshingly cool, and clusters developed slowly. Summer days were then moderately warm. The fruit ripened smoothly and evenly, exhibiting great color, bright acidity, and exciting flavor complexity. The 2021 unfolds with Quintessa’s signature balance of complex fruit, precise structure, and vital freshness amplified by an especially beautiful growing season.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity