Quintessa Napa Valley 2018

99 POINTS

James Suckling

This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character. Some much earthier character, too, from mushrooms to bark. Forest flowers. Perfumed. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a soft, creamy finish. Some iron and iodine to this. So attractive at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2023.

96 POINTS

Jonathan Cristaldi - Decanter

Late rains in 2017 led to a generous crop in 2018. Harvest came later than is typical and at a relaxed pace. Leads with high-toned red berry fruit and ironstone minerals. Muscular and brawny on the palate, with burly tannins that resolve in waves of granules. Blood orange acidity frames more red-toned fruit on the full-bodied palate, mixing in plum, cherry, sous-bois notes, sagebrush, and bay laurel. There’s no question that the wine is very well endowed with a powerful structure and needs time in the bottle. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménѐre. Harvest: September 18 – October 25, 2018. 20 months in 62% new French oak barrel.

96 POINTS

Georgina Hindle - Decanter

A less traditional style of wine in Napa Valley, this is lifted and charming with poise, powdery tannins and a chalky finish. Richly perfumed and wonderfully evocative on the nose, it’s seductive and inviting with black cherries, raspberries and blueberries alongside savoury notes of dried herbs. The flavours open and evolve on the palate bringing cocoa, tobacco and pencil lead into play underpinned by supple tannins. It’s powerful but on the leaner side, refined and elegant with a good sense of direction and drive - everything feels well placed and well defined. Tasted twice and both times were highly enjoyable. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenére and 1% Petit Verdot. Wines are aged for 20 months in oak, 100% French, 62% new. Biodynamically grown and certified organic. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg and estate director Rodrigo Soto.

90 POINTS

Decanter

Black cherry, spiced plums and hints of clove and black pepper aromas. The alcohol is well-balanced by a fresh acidity. Judges: Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, James Doidge MW, Stefan Neumann MS