2018 Quintessa Rutherford Red
Producer: Quintessa
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA
Country: USA
Grapes: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carmenére, 1% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14.5%
Vivino: 4.6
Drink By: 2033
Occasional Wine Note: This is simply put, one of the best wines in the world against any standard. We have visited this picturesque vineyard a couple of times and always leave awe inspired. The people, the landscape, the tasting experience, and of course the wine. A bottle of Quintessa is part of every Thanksgiving and just about every other special occasion in our lives. It really encapsulates the beauty and complexity of the Rutherford viticultural area from nose to palate to finish. Keep it in your cellar until that special occasion arises. It will NEVER fail to wow even the most discerning of palates.
James Suckling
Critic Score: 99
This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character. Some much earthier character, too, from mushrooms to bark. Forest flowers. Perfumed. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a soft, creamy finish. Some iron and iodine to this. So attractive at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.
Wine Enthusiast
Critic Score: 98
This is an exceptional vintage of this exceptional wine, its foundation built around 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, with dustings of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Beautiful in berry fruit, textured and refined tannin and hints of lavender, licorice and sage, it has complexity and energy in equal measure, lengthy and beautifully focused, a truly impressive achievement of site, vintage and winemaker.