2018 Napa Valley Red Blend

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenѐre, 1% Petit Verdot. ‘Coming on the heels of five warm years, the 2018 growing season was even and balanced, beginning with budbreak occurring two weeks later than the previous year. The moderate weather set the pace to create healthy canopies and a vineyard graced with mild conditions, a lack of extremes, and an abundance of high-quality fruit. The harmony of the 2018 season allowed for a deeper understanding of how we can continue to evolve our biodynamic farming practices to support the vines growing on Quintessa’s diverse soils. Mild weather conditions persisted through harvest, producing clusters of perfect ripeness and acidity, with time for phenolics and flavours to develop without the pressure of increasing Brix. A long and almost leisurely harvest ensued, with time for precise decisions that are evident in the purity and refinement of the 2018 Quintessa. Youthful purplish crimson. Vibrant nose with a suggestion of a creamy texture. Dense and savoury and beautifully balanced. Lovely and pure with a great future and tannins almost hidden by the fruit. Attractive savoury note. You could drink this now but it would be a pity. (JR)

The dense, purple-hued 2018 Proprietary Red Wine seemed just a bit closed at this tasting, with pronounced cedary notes overshadowing the black cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with a lush mouthfeel, silky-textured tannins and cocoa powder-like nuances on the lingering finish.

Slick and well made, with coffee mocha and buttescotch edging right up front. As it opens in the glass, less sweet and more complex notes come through of bitter chocolate, damson, cocoa bean, smoky yet generous, the definition of powefful and playful. Farmed organically since 1989 and biodynamically since 1996. I recently tasted a vertical of the property going back to 2010, and am always impressed by its consistency, and its ability to deliver pleasure while still walking the line of freshness. Third year on the Place for Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, and their impact on this property has been impressive and keeps getting better. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg, consultant Michel Rolland.