Quintessa 2015 Red Blend, Rutherford, Napa Valley

The flagship wine of the Huneeus Family of Napa Valley, Quintessa is a Meritage style blended red wine from estate vineyards in the Rutherford Bench district. Each year, it is a blend that can include some or all of the five varietals grown on the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. Fruit from each component block of Quintessa is harvested, sorted, then gravity fed into either oak or stainless steel fermentation tanks. Once fermentation and maceration are complete, each block of wine is aged separately for up to two years in French oak barrels. After aging, the components are brought together and the final blend is created. This 2015 has already received high praise.

Tasting a barrel sample, the Wine Advocate scored this 94-96 saying "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Proprietary Red Wine has a very deep purple color and notes of crushed rocks, dusty earth and iron ore over blackcurrants and black cherries, plus hints of tapenade, bay leaves, underbrush and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with densely packed, youthful black fruits, framed by finely grained tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing long and mineral laced."

and James Suckling scored it 97 points saying "Aromas of blue fruits, blackberries, tile and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Layered and intense with white-pepper and salt undertones. Love the finish to this racy young wine. Beautiful blue fruits! Drink in 2020 and onwards. From biodynamic grapes."

and Decanter Magazine also scored it 97 saying "The stars aligned to make this beautifully decadent example of a Rutherford Cabernet. Attractive dark cherries and berries combine with mocha/coffee and dark chocolate; an elegant and lifted character with supremely soft tannins and a warming finish. 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot, 8.5% Cabernet Franc."  Limited!