2022 Quintessa Proprietary Red Napa Valley
From the heart of Rutherford’s biodynamic Quintessa estate, this 2022 Proprietary Red blends power with elegance. Crafted from estate-grown Bordeaux varieties and raised in finely grained French oak, it delivers a full-bodied wave of deep red and black cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and cocoa—all underpinned by beautifully integrated, fine-sand tannins. The nose is pure fruit-forward appeal, while the palate unfolds with sophistication, complexity, and freshness that only a wine of such pedigree can achieve.
Limited allocation, immense charm—this is Napa Valley power, refined.
Most easily identified by its breathtaking stone wall that fronts the property on the Silverado Trail, this remarkable 280-acre Rutherford estate is the crown jewel in Agustin Huneeus’ kingdom. The last great “undiscovered property” in the Valley when it was purchased in 1989, the amazing potential of this heavenly plot of Earth gave them reason to believe that it could be one of the great wine estates of the world. Possessing a lake, its own minivalley, five hills, a river, four microclimates and numerous different soil types, few vineyards anywhere encompass such diversity. With a little hard work, serious winemaking talent in Charles Thomas, and a commitment to results in the bottle, Quintessa was born. One vineyard, one singular estate wine… the results speak for themselves!
Decanter
What is immediately surprising is just how seamless this young barrel sample of Quintessa 2022 Cabernet is, effusing a plush, soft, and silky fruit profile with layers of creamy dark berry fruits, nuanced by fragrant sagebrush and sweet toasty cedar wood. What an effort! One of the most satisfying wines from this challenging vintage. Crafted by winemaker Rebekah Wineburg with Quintessa's estate Cabernet grapes that are farmed according to biodynamic and organic standards. (JC)
James Suckling
So sweet and purely fruity on the nose, then layered, sophisticated, detailed and complex on the palate. Full-bodied and fully tannic, yet the fine-sand tannins are beautifully integrated, with ripe red and black cherries, raspberries, blueberries and cocoa. Elegant, intricate, charming and quite fresh. Made from 93% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 1% each of carmenere, petit verdot and merlot. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.