Illumination (Quintessa) Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma Counties 2022

95 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "There is a strong set of white wines in the September Releases this year, and this stands up right alongside the best of them. As with the reds from Quintessa, you should expect a nuanced wine that is full of clarity of expression, going long on the tension and juice that makes Illumination such a great food wine. This is deftly made, well balanced, with grippy lime zest, lemon and grass alongside richer quince, citrus, pink grapefruit and gunsmoke. A serious take on Sauvignon Blanc, with a savoury tang. Keeps a pillowcase of air underneath it from begining to end. Fruit sourced from 45% Napa County and 55% Sonoma County. Winemaker Rebekah Wineberg, consultant Michel Rolland. Alcohol 14%. Drink: 2023-2030. (9/1/23)"

94 points James Suckling: "Aromas of dried apple, pineapple and lemon with honey blossom follow through to a medium to full body with a lovely texture and a wonderful finish with phenolic framing and intensity. 83% sauvignon blanc and 17% semillon. Drink or hold.. (12/12/23)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$60 list] Stunning and precise, with details of lemon verbena, litsea oil, pomelo and Himalayan salt, along with elements of Meyer lemon, lime zest and passion fruit on the long, succulent and juicy finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now. (4/30/24)"

93 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Smells grassy and herbal with apple and lemon notes. Bright and lively straight away, but in a calm and controlled way, not too sour or sharp, this has structure and a wide frame, well built with mineral edges and toasted nuances that linger on the tongue. Really lovely, feels like this wine is getting better, more round and well integrated, less overtly spiced though it's there in the background. This has character and personality with a long length and would stand up to food really well. Lively, elegant and juicy with caramel, honey, lemon and lime, grapefruit pith, orange and toast elements all mingling quite deliciously. A blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 33% Sauvignon Blanc and 17% Semillon comes Sonoma County (55%) and from Napa County (45%). Estate director Rodrigo Soto, winemaker Rebekah Wineburg. Drinking Window: 2023-2030. (Aug 2023)"

91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Juicy citrus, honeyed flowers, and some terrific chalky minerality define the 2022 Illumination, a medium-bodied, very Bordeaux Blanc-like, balanced, elegant Sauvignon that will shine on the dinner table. Drink: 2024-2030. (2/20/24)"