Quintessa is a landmark Rutherford estate founded by Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, set on a 280‑acre property of diverse soils, exposures, and microclimates in the heart of Napa Valley. Farmed organically and Biodynamically, the estate cultivates 160 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère across 26 individually vinified blocks to capture the site’s nuance. Known for its elegant, age‑worthy Bordeaux‑style blend, Quintessa reflects a philosophy of expressing the natural harmony and grandeur of its singular landscape.
The 2022 Quintessa is a charming wine, opening with intense aromas of black cherry and cassis that are complemented by notes of tobacco, bay laurel, cedar, and dark chocolate. Plush and inviting on entry, this wine’s flavors align with its aromas. The palate reveals dark fruits and an undertone of crushed rocks, tar, and graphite. On the finish, this vintage displays the signature fine-grained tannin of their Quintessa terroir, backed by voluminous texture and fruit.
Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carménère, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
99 Decanter Such an incredible wine here - one of the stars of the September releases. Smells amazing, cooling blueberries with fragrant blackcurrants, edges of florality - totally inviting scents. Full and filling in the mouth, this is ample with such a layered effect, super vertical and elongated. Tight and a little tense but it really works - such balance between black fruit, dried herbs, high acidity and a profound structure. Refined and beautifully presented. So much life, so much energy - this is pure class. A wine you don't want to put down. Feels hands off despite such concentration and power. Ends salty with sticky liquorice, mint and cooling wet stones. You could definitely drink this now but it will age too! 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. One of the final few vintages with Rodrigo Soto at the helm - he stepped down last year to concentrate on his family project Far Mountain in Sonoma Valley which is worth following. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg.
97 James Suckling So sweet and purely fruity on the nose, then layered, sophisticated, detailed and complex on the palate. Full-bodied and fully tannic, yet the fine-sand tannins are beautifully integrated, with ripe red and black cherries, raspberries, blueberries and cocoa. Elegant, intricate, charming and quite fresh. Made from 93% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 1% each of carmenere, petit verdot and merlot. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.
94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% each Carmenère, Merlot and Petit Verdot, Quintessa's 2022 Red Wine initially offers up mossy, savory and earthy notes, but those are backed by layers of mixed red and black cherries, plus some plummier bass notes. Aged 22 months in 60% New French oak, there are hints of cedar and vanilla as well. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, fairly broad on the palate, showing some effects of the vintage's early September heat wave, stretching the wine's structural tannins into a coarser weave than typical, without upsetting the overall sense of harmony on the lingering finish.
94 Jeb Dunnuck Deep purple-hued, the 2022 Proprietary Red offers cassis, blue fruits, candied violets, and sweet spice-driven aromatics. It's medium to full-bodied, lush, soft, and sexy on the palate, with velvety tannins and a great finish. This upfront, supple beauty is ready to go and will drink well over the coming 10-12 years or so. Drink 2025-2036.
