Quintessa’s The Estate reflects the winery’s deep commitment to organic, biodynamic farming and the expression of its unique Rutherford terroir, a natural mosaic of hills, valleys, varied soils, and microclimates that come together to create wines of elegance, harmony, and complexity. The estate’s flagship red blends, such as the 2022 and 2021 Quintessa, are notable for intense, layered aromatics and rich flavor profiles featuring ripe red and black cherries, plum, cassis, and dark berry fruits, complemented by herbal and spice nuances, tobacco, dark chocolate, savory earth and mineral notes, and fine-grained, structured tannins with bright acidity and long finishes that support both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential. Critically acclaimed for their balance, sophistication, and depth, these wines embody the estate’s philosophy of letting the land speak through every bottle, making them standout offerings for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Vintage Notes

The 2022 growing season benefited from late fall rains of 2021. With this nutrient storage, the vines relied on their reserves to usher them through the following drought year. Dry winter conditions prompted early bud break, but a cool spring elongated bloom. Moderate temperatures throughout most of the summer meant veraison aligned with a more historic ripening calendar.

Late-season heat punctuated the final stages of the vintage. In these moments, we saw the benefits of practices put into place years prior. In 2017, we honed techniques to build resilience against climactic pressures in younger vines and preserve more mature vines. By 2022, the makeup of the vineyard was predominately older vine material, and they beautifully weathered the heat. For the small percentage of new plantings, optimal row orientation, spacing, and shade management aided them through this period. This heat encouraged ripening and the smaller clusters accelerated harvest. Picking commenced on September 9 with our younger vines in the Riviera block, and concluded on October 1 in our Limelight block. The fruit showed exceptional phenolic ripeness, great levels of acidity, and an elegant balance.

The Wine

Our 2022 unfurls with a lifted bouquet of complex and intense aromatics. Ripe plum and a bushel of red and black cherries give way to herbal and spice notes, all underpinned by tobacco and dark chocolate. On the palate, the plush dark fruit ushers in savory, earth-bound notes of iron and crushed rocks, while cassis and cocoa weave throughout. Our signature firm yet fine-grained tannins frame the medium body, and the bright acidity provides a lively freshness. The broad and enveloping texture leaves a long, lingering finish in its wake.

Quintessa Red Wine 2022 Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Dark purple
• AROMA: Ripe plum and a bushel of red and black cherries give way to herbal and spice notes, all underpinned by tobacco and dark chocolate
• TASTE: Lush dark fruit layered with savory earth, iron, and crushed stone notes, accented by cassis and cocoa, supported by fine grained tannins, bright acidity, and a fresh, balanced finish
• FINISH: Long and lingering