2013 Quintessa Rutherford Bordeaux Blend

This is really fantastic on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, lavender, and violets. Even sage. Full body plus extremely integrated tannins that are polished and refined. The balance and harmony is phenomenal. Goes on for minutes.

Just a classic and fairly reserved at this stage showing exquisite dark berry fruit, lifted red florals, a panoply of brown baking spices, and dried herbs leading with sage and thyme. Full-bodied with expressive earthen notes and classic, fine-cacao-dusted Rutherford tannin. There’s a touch of heat on the finish, but it resolved nicely, abetted by a saline mineral component and a final flourish of blackberry and black cherry fruit. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carmén?re. Harvest: September 6 – October 18, 2013. 21 months in 85% new French oak barrel. (JC)