2011 Napa Valley Red Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenѐre. ‘This is a vintage defined by our focus and attention to detail in the vineyards. The year began with cool spring temperatures and moderate rainfall that pushed budbreak, flowering, and fruit set back two weeks. These cooler temperatures continued into the summer months, making canopy management essential. A warm September allowed the grapes to achieve full flavour development. In early October, our experienced viticulturists responded to early rains with careful canopy management, select crop removal, and a lot of patience. The rain was followed by four weeks of Indian summer that allowed the remaining grapes to ripen more fully. Our team used selective picking and careful sorting to ensure that only perfect grapes reached the tanks, and ultimately the finished 2011 Quintessa.’ Another fairly cool vintage with rain during harvest – unusual. 21 months in oak. Deep crimson. Complex, almost mineral. Very juicy and fresh and lifted. Clean, fresh finish. Very neat, non-opulent wine that finishes dry. Slight graphite note. (JR)

Quintessa's 2011 Proprietary Red Wine reflects the cool, wet vintage, with notes of mint, olive, sage and bay leaf dominating the modest cherry fruit. It's medium-bodied on the palate but largely silky in feel, with just a slight astringency on the dusty finish.

The 2011 Quintessa offers good brightness, but is also a bit light in depth, as many wines are in this vintage. I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later, before the fruit fully drops out. Hints of rose petal, mint and red berry fruit linger.