behind the label : quintessa
By Sylvia Jansen , Sommelier ( ISG , CMS ), CSW
Quintessa 2008 Illumination Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley $ 61.99
Quintessa 2005 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $ 89.99
Quintessa 2005 Quintessa Napa Valley $ 219.99
When Valeria and Agustin Huneeus secured a treasure vineyard property in the Rutherford appellation of the Napa Valley , they set about to realize the fullest potential of world-class starting material . From deep , well-drained gravel beds , to sunny exposures and cool nights giving the best fruit , Rutherford holds an enviable reputation within an enviable region .
Both Agustin and Valeria have world-class credentials themselves . A builder of the internationally respected Concha Y Toro brand , with a lengthy , successful career in wine and spirits , Agustin came to the project in Rutherford knowing what he wanted and needed to do . His life partner , Valeria , holds a PhD in biochemistry and is an experienced viticulturalist , enologist , and vineyard architect .
The Huneeus ’ s goal is to deliver the potential of their magnificent Rutherford vineyards into every glass of wine . Valeria ’ s approach to grape growing creates harmony in the use of organic methods and respect for the varied landscape . The winery reflects this respect : the building ’ s crescent shape and natural plantings slip into the landscape in graceful lines . Inside , fruit and fermenting wine are treated with cutting – edge technology and high quality gravity-flow treatment , producing beautiful wines .
In short , they have selected one of the best plots of vineyard property on the planet , and they treat it like the treasure it is . The results are nothing less than breathtaking . Illumination is the only white wine in this noble family , born from the
Huneeus ’ s desire for a beautiful white to share with friends and family . Drawn from a small plot of Sauvignon Blanc and blended with Semillon , Illumination is vibrant and tangy , rich and round , complex and supple .
Faust is a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon . Its name is drawn from German playwright Goethe ’ s most famous work , in which the aging scholar , Dr . Faust , barters his soul in exchange for another chance at youth . He gets his chance , but is ultimately saved by love . Dominated by the concentrated fruit of Cabernet Sauvignon , Faust is rich , powerful and forward , with the beautiful Rutherford fruit reaching from the glass .
The estate ’ s namesake , Quintessa , is a meritage blend ( using the finest fruit of the harvest from vineyards yielding Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Cabernet Franc , Petit Verdot , and Carménère ). Quintessa is assembled from the top fruit of each variety and plot . Winemaker Charles Thomas works with consulting winemaker Michel Rolland to create Quintessa from the rich canvas of possibilities . Although every vintage is a unique expression of the year ’ s harvest , each bottle of Quintessa is the work of a master artist . With finesse and elegance , power and amazing length , the wine ’ s harmony is accessible early , but will reward cellaring time .
Behind every Quintessa wine is a great love story ; it is a story of the unity and harmony that is expressed through great terroir , great technique , great care , and great passion . �
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