2016 Quintessa Rutherford Bordeaux Blend

“Between the 2015 and 2016 vintage, winemaker Rebekah Wineburg reduced the percentage of new oak to just 85%. Refined, fresh, and inviting aromas of fresh-picked blackberry are intermixed with confected raspberry coulis and strawberry-vanilla panna cotta. Notes of cedar and violets emerge with aeration—a full-flavoured, seamless wine with power and tremendous energy. Richly layered with blackberry and blueberry fruit, blueberry tart, brown sugar and chocolate shavings. For all that decadence, a rich tapestry of velvet textured tannins is framed by expressive acidity, and the long finish reveals ironstone classic Rutherford minerality. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carmén?re. Harvest: September 15 – October 13, 2016. 20 months in 70% new French oak barrel. (JC)” (02/2023)

“Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony. Hard not to open the bottle now and drink it, but it appears to be closing down now.” (02/2019)

“The 2016 Quintessa is another sensational release and even looks to be a step ahead of last years outstanding wine at this stage. Composed of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère, this outstanding red instantly impresses as it shows both power and elegance. It begins with inviting aromatics of ripe red currants and blueberries, which are laced with crushed violets, tobacco, graphite and hints of loam all taking shape. This possesses a gorgeous full body that is incredibly finessed, backed by well-integrated, velvety tannins that beautifully frame the delicious ripe dark and blue fruit flavors. It goes on to impress with wonderful concentration and balance as everything moves seamlessly into the long, graceful finish. While this is simply outstanding now, it will without question continue to drink incredibly well for quite some time. (JD)” (03/2019)

“Brambled fruit combined with bitter black chocolate. Very much majoring on primary flavours at this still-early stage, with cooling blueberries, sweet raspberry puree, bay leaf, iodine, turmeric spice. Striking clarity and precision, and a moreish salinity that keeps your mouth watering right through the lingering finish. A balanced vintage overall without the usual heatwave at the end of September, but remaining warm and sunny throughout. The new oak was brought down to around 60% in this vintage. Technical director Rebecca Wineberg, consultant Michel Rolland.” (01/2022)

“This inky purple colored 2016 offers a perfumed, complex bouquet of sweet crème de cassis, Asian spices, lead pencil, and cedarwood. Full-bodied and plenty powerful, it shines even more for its flawless balance, polished tannins, and great finish. This is a quintessential, rich, elegant Napa Bordeaux blend to enjoy over the coming two decades or more.” (11/2019)

“Quintessa's 2016 Proprietary Red Wine boasts relatively youthful, primary fruit, with cherries and black cherries both appearing on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and suave on the palate, framed by ripe, supple tannins that linger elegantly on the finish. (JC)” (09/2022)

“Deep ruby colour. Densely fruity. I'm tasting this in a vertical and this wine marks the break between the more tertiary 2005, 2011 and 2013 and the more primary expressions. Blackberry and black-cherry aromas with dried riverbed. Sweetness and density to the fruit on the palate, with a viscous texture and an evolving, amaro-tinged finish. Lovely. Lots more road ahead! 18.5/20 points (SJC)” (02/2024)