2019 Quintessa

So much earth and spice with walnut and wet earth. Like fog laying over the valley in the morning. Black fruit. Medium-to full-bodied with super-fine tannins that are long and persistent, with graceful progression and length on the palate. So long, with real definition. September 2022 release. From biodynamically grown grapes. Hard not to drink now, but will age wonderfully. (2021)

I was blown away by the 2019 Red Blend from Quintessa, which is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère, this full-bodied beauty has a perfectly balanced, seamless, yet expansive and classic 2019 style as well as gorgeous aromatics of cassis, flowers, chalky minerality, and integrated oak. It’s hard to resist already, but I have no doubt this will evolve for 20 years if stored properly. (2022)

Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenere, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored. It explodes from the glass with bombastic scents of blackcurrant cordial, baked plums, and blueberry preserves, giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of dried roses, cedar chest, camphor, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate reveals impressive restraint, offering a refreshing backbone and loads of savory accents to counter the generous fruit, finishing with a quiet intensity and great plushness. The result is a very cleverly done Cabernet! (2022)