2015 Quintessa, Rutherford, Napa Valley, Calfornia, USA
Critics reviews
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenѐre. ‘The 2015 season began beautifully, with ample rains very welcome after three years of drought. Warm late-winter temperatures prompted an early budbreak and ultimately one of the earliest harvests on record for Quintessa. Overall, yields were low with outstanding quality as we began harvest in the early morning of 2 September. Harvest continued at pace, completing on 30 September.’ Small crop. Harvest was fast and furious, winemaker Rebekah Wineburg’s first.
Big and beefy nose. But not quite as fresh as some other vintages. Some quite angular tannins still in evidence – needs food!
Drink 2022-2038
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com (April 2023)
About this WINE
Quintessa
Quintessa is a single 75-hectare estate, belonging to the Franciscan Group, which lies in the heart of Rutherford. The estate includes a valley, a lake, a river and 5 hills with 5 distinct soil types. It is unique in the sheer diversity it encompasses. Valerie Huneeus, a scientist and viticulturist, has developed the vineyards from the ground up, utilising the latest vineyard technology.
Quintessa is an American Bordeaux blend or "meritage" comprising Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), and Cabernet Franc (10%). It is aged in small French barrels (75% new) for 18 months. The inaugural vintage was 1996 and already Quintessa is being talked of as a Californian classic.
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenѐre. ‘The 2015 season began beautifully, with ample rains very welcome after three years of drought. Warm late-winter temperatures prompted an early budbreak and ultimately one of the earliest harvests on record for Quintessa. Overall, yields were low with outstanding quality as we began harvest in the early morning of 2 September. Harvest continued at pace, completing on 30 September.’ Small crop. Harvest was fast and furious, winemaker Rebekah Wineburg’s first.
Big and beefy nose. But not quite as fresh as some other vintages. Some quite angular tannins still in evidence – needs food!
Drink 2022-2038
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com (April 2023)
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee