2012 Quintessa

96 POINTS

Robert Parker - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The outstanding 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Quintessa is composed of Bordeaux varietals dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. One of the strongest efforts to date from this winery, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as abundant aromas of sweet white chocolate, acacia flowers, and black and red fruits, full-bodied opulence, velvety tannins, and enough acidity to provide freshness and focus. It can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-15+ years.

96 POINTS

Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A terrific showing of Quintessa's 2012 Proprietary Red Wine capped off the short vertical shared by the estate's General Manager, Rodrigo Soto, during a visit to New York City last year. Revealing compelling aromas of ripe black cherries and dusty earth, a ripe, rich, full-bodied feel on the palate and a plush, lingering finish, this wine is at its peak but should continue to drink well for at least another 10 or 15 years. From a relatively late harvest (picking dates were September 24 to October 30), it's a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Carmenère and 1% Petit Verdot aged in 85% new French oak.

96 POINTS

James Suckling

Purity of blackberry, black currant and hints of toasted oak. Full body, yet refined and very elegant. The tannins are extremely polished and beautiful. It's so beautiful to drink now. Goes on for minutes. From biodynamically grown grapes. Hard not to drink now but will improve with age.

96 POINTS

James Suckling

Fabulous aromas of blackberry, tile and clay. Porcini undertones. Full-bodied, tight and polished with refined tannins and a long, long finish. Racy and beautiful. So long and linear. Goes on for minutes.

95 POINTS

Jonathan Cristaldi - Decanter

The nose is generous, heady, and edging into hedonistic territory with a lovely mix of blackberry, blueberry, dried sage, and ironstone mineral notes. That bold mineral quality literally erupts on the palate, effusing microexplosions of liquidised gravelly minerals while the acid tension keeps things bright and lifted, and generous silky black fruit is seemingly at its smoothest atop a bed of beam-like tannins. Cedarwood mixes with all that lovely dark fruit on a long finish. Tasted out of Magnum. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménѐre. Harvest: September 24 – October 30, 2012. 21 months in 85% new French oak barrel.

92 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Pleasantly rich, graceful and elegant, with a tapered mix of currant, blueberry and blackberry flavors that are ripe, firm and deep, but not weighty or excessive. A seductive push of black licorice adds dimension. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère and Petit Verdot.

Stephen Tanzer - Vinous

Bright, full medium ruby. Brooding aromas of cassis and black cherry show a medicinal cast. Tightly wound and a bit peppery, but with a fine-grained texture to its flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate and espresso bean. The note of peppery herbs carries through on the finish, where the dusty tannins are nicely ripe. Like the 2011, this is very Medoc-like.

Stephen Tanzer - Vinous

(85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% each petit verdot and carmenere): Full, saturated medium ruby. Very dark, vibrant aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, creme de cassis, fruity bitter chocolate, spices and violet. Densely packed if still a bit youthfully imploded, showing an almost porty primary dark fruit character along with a note of cocoa powder. Ultimately pliant in the mouth, with an enticing balance of sweetness and natural acidity. Finishes with serious, building tannins and a firming mineral note. This should age slowly and gracefully. Strong potential here.