Quintessa Proprietary Red Wine Rutherford Napa Valley 2021 (Magnum 1.5L)

There are some wines (and producers) that simply knock it out of the park every. single. time. Quintessa’s Rutherford Red is one such wine from one such producer – gathering 100 points for this 2021 vintage and loads of additional praise for a remarkably complex, mouthwatering, and silky red wine!

Free shipping on 3 bottles, and limited to 3 max per person – so, if my math’s correct, it looks like you may want to order 3! Quintessa was founded by Agustin and Valeria Huneeus in 1989 with a strong desire to honor the integrity of this awe-inspiring property set in eastern Rutherford, at the foot of the Vaca Mountains and bordered by the Napa River. Its low-sweeping hills, spanning vineyards, verdant woodlands, and the contemplative Dragon’s Lake at the property’s center create a jaw-dropping and peaceful mosaic that encapsulates the energy and diversity of Napa Valley as a whole. Organic and biodynamic practices ensure the land is as well-cared-for as the vines and wines, and as Valeria says, “Quintessa should be farmed in a way that is respectful to the land as a living entity.”

2021 is largely considered one of the greatest Napa vintages in recent (and not-so-recent) history – with a dry winter, cool spring, moderate summer, and consistency throughout the growing season that ultimately produced lower yields but immaculate flavor profiles, vibrancy, and phenolic maturity. Made of predominantly cabernet sauvignon (91%), with a balance of 4% cabernet sauvignon, 3% carménère, 1% merlot, and 1% petit verdot, this estate red wine was harvested between September 8 - October 18, 2021, with 22 days of skin contact during fermentation and 22 months of aging on 65% new French oak, 32% neutral oak, and 3% terracotta amphoras before bottling in July 2023.

Wine Enthusiast’s 100 point review touts, “This wine is refined, detailed and delicious, with as much elegance as energy,” with more critical praise coming by way of a 99, double 98s, and more glowing reviews across the board. And we are in full agreement – simply put, this is an exemplary Napa Valley red wine, with strong cabernet elements of brooding and juicy dark fruits, cedar wood, and cocoa powder, balanced with lively and refined notes of violets, hibiscus, iron, chalky minerals, and powdery smooth tannins for an ultimately lavish finish. Wine Advocate’s 96 point review poked, “If one were to have a complaint about it (hardly likely), it’s that it comes across as almost too polished, too elegant, too easy to drink.” Hardly likely, indeed – too smooth and elegant is never a complaint in our realm! A testament of fine winemaking, detailed land stewardship, and some of the best terroir in the valley...do not hesitate on adding this to your cellar ASAP!