The Quintessa Estate Red Wine
A Pure Expression of the Estate
A WINE ESTATE IS A COMMITMENT TO LONGEVITY, the physical embodiment of a promise made to the land. More than thirty years ago, Agustin and Valeria Huneeus vowed to honor the integrity of this extraordinary property they named Quintessa, a mosaic of hills and valleys in eastern Rutherford bounded by the Vaca Mountains and the Napa River. To preserve its arcadian beauty and farm it gently. And, above all, to guide its natural diversity into a singular wine.
Today, this landscape rises and falls with small vineyard blocks set amidst abundant vegetation and 100 acres of woodlands, including stands of majestic blue and valley oaks. Dragon’s Lake is home to populations of fish and waterfowl, while corridors of insectaries and native plants attract pollinators and the occasional fox. Over time, we’ve gained a more intimate understanding of our subterranean world as well. Its ancient geologies and range of soils, from the white volcanic ash of the eastern hills to the silty loam of the bench, converge to reveal themselves in a wine of elegance and harmony—a true reflection of the estate.
Upholding our responsibility to the estate requires discipline, reverence, rigor, patience, intuition, teamwork—and sometimes also nerve. Years that test us, such as the disruptions of 2020, remind us that our dedication to Quintessa is unshakeable. With a new story to tell each vintage, we remain faithful and consistent interpreters, every year a distillation and emblem of this idyllic and resilient place.
2020 Quintessa
In hindsight, 2020 was a season that tested—and ultimately affirmed—our pinpoint understanding of each vineyard block, the kind of wine it wants to produce, and the proactive farming it needs to fulfill that potential. The mosaic of our estate vineyard gave us a wide-ranging palette of unique site expressions to work with for our final blend. Low winter rainfall and a warm growing season produced small berries with the potential—considering their high skin-to-juice balance for concentrated flavors and substantial tannins. Flavors and aromas developed quickly, and we began harvesting early, the first week of September.
Like every Quintessa vintage, 2020 is complex, concentrated, and fresh. A core of dark fruit—black cherry and cassis—is wrapped with a swirl of sweet clove spice and savory crushed herbs. Layers of structured tannins reveal the mineral character of Quintessa’s terroir in a distinctive year. From aromas and flavors to texture, structure, and sheer vibrancy, the wine is balanced, moving seamlessly into a juicy, polished finish.
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THE 2020 VINTAGE IS FULLY ALLOCATED TO OUR MEMBERS. TO RECEIVE PRE-RELEASE ACCESS TO THE 2021 QUINTESSA, WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN OUR VINEYARD CIRCLE. FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL CUSTOMERSERVICE@QUINTESSA.COM OR CALL 707-286-2745.
“What our vineyard delivered under extreme conditions was the consistent quality of years past, each block offering up the unique flavors we’ve come to identify with that place. A core of dark fruit—black cherry and cassis—is wrapped with a swirl of sweet clove spice and savory crushed herbs. Layers of structured tannins reveal the mineral character of Quintessa’s terroir.“
REBEKAH WINEBURG, WINEMAKER
Library Vintages
PLEASE CONTACT US TO INQUIRE ABOUT LIBRARY VINTAGES
(707) 286 2745 | customerservice@quintessa.com
2019
“This is a winemaker’s master class in blending and understanding of a longstanding site”
– WINE ENTHUSIAST
2018
“This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character.”
– JAMES SUCKLING
2017
“Beautifully expressed, elegant red and black fruit layers, with a sturdy, grainy frame and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy.”
– Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
2016
“Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony.”
– Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
2015
“The palate is bursting with densely packed, youthful black fruits, framed by finely grained tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing long.”
– Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
2014
“This wine has great balance, purity, and presence on the palate.”
– Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
