Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and crushed violet integrate with savory notes of sage, dark chocolate, and a hint of cedar. The palate is full-bodied and exceptionally polished, featuring a core of dense forest fruits and a velvety, fine-grained tannin structure. It displays a balanced acidity and a seamless weight that leads to a long finish marked by a distinct mineral tension and a lingering touch of espresso bean.
Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg and consultant Michel Rolland utilize a blend primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère. Each vineyard block is harvested by hand and fermented separately in a mix of stainless steel and French oak tanks using native yeasts. The wine matures for 22 months in French oak barrels, with 60% being new wood, a process that refines the structure while maintaining the purity of the estate fruit.
The fruit is grown on the Quintessa Estate in the Rutherford AVA of Napa Valley. The site is defined by its diverse geology, sitting at the foot of the Vaca Mountains where five distinct soil types and a series of rolling hills create various microclimates. These vineyards are farmed using organic and biodynamic practices to preserve the health of the land. This complex terroir provides the wine with its signature Rutherford Dust tannins and a sophisticated balance between power and elegance.
