|
Wine Spectator |
95
points |
Juicy, focused and vivid flavors of blackberry and boysenberry paste stretch out steadily, while iris, anise and singed apple wood notes fill in liberally. Fine-grained, with a ping of iron echoing through the fruit at the tail end of the lengthy finish. Shows lovely purity and persistence. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. |
|
Decanter |
99
points |
Such an incredible wine here - one of the stars of the September releases. Smells amazing, cooling blueberries with fragrant blackcurrants, edges of florality - totally inviting scents. Full and filling in the mouth, this is ample with such a layered effect, super vertical and elongated. Tight and a little tense but it really works - such balance between black fruit, dried herbs, high acidity and a profound structure. Refined and beautifully presented. So much life, so much energy - this is pure class. A wine you don't want to put down. Feels hands off despite such concentration and power. Ends salty with sticky liquorice, mint and cooling wet stones. You could definitely drink this now but it will age too! 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. One of the final few vintages with Rodrigo Soto at the helm - he stepped down last year to concentrate on his family project Far Mountain in Sonoma Valley which is worth following. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg. |
|
Jeb Dunnuck |
96
points |
Pure crème de cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and violet nuances all define the aromatics of the 2023 Quintessa, another gorgeous wine from this talented winemaker. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carménère, 2% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 60% new French oak with a portion resting in terracotta amphora, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with remarkable purity, ultra-fine tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. This pure, balanced, graceful, seamless beauty is delicious today yet won't hit its prime for a decade. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
James Suckling |
99
points |
Luscious dark fruit that’s soft and supple. Aromas of blackberries, currants, violets, graphite, licorice, spices, dried flowers and chalk. The palate is densely packed, with dark fruit, fine minerally tannins and bright acidity, bringing a rustic, ferric feel and a bright, fresh and focused profile. What an exceptional release. Made from 90% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 2% carmenere, 2% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Aged in 60% new French oak. |