Quintessa - 2021 Red Wine - Rutherford

Overview: A dry winter marked the start of 2021, foreshadowing somewhat smaller canopies in the vineyard. We pruned accordingly to encourage balanced ripening through the growing season. Against the backdrop of dry conditions, spring was refreshingly cool, allowing the clusters to develop slowly. From June through August, when sugar begins to accumulate, days were moderately warm, with no extreme heat spells. The fruit ripened smoothly and evenly, with great color, bright acidity, and exciting flavor complexity. With a small crop, and smaller canopies and clusters, we began harvesting early to achieve the optimum balance of sugar and flavor development, vibrancy and phenolic ripeness. The weather held in our favor, with moderate late season temperatures, and the fruit was in beautiful condition come harvest.

Tasting Notes: Our 2021 unfolds with Quintessa’s signature balance of complex fruit, precise structure, and vital freshness amplified by an especially beautiful growing season. Floral notes violet and lilac—lift an intensely aromatic bouquet of cassis and black cherry accented with anise, bay laurel, and earthy forest floor. On the palate, firm but fine-grained tannins back lovely dark berry and savory herb flavors interwoven with a sophisticated minerality. Generous texture carries the complex layers to a fine, chalky finish.

Pairing: Slow roast lamb

Points: 100, Wine Enthusiast

Format: 750 ml/14.5%

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