Quintessa Rutherford Napa Valley 2018

99 points James Suckling: "This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character. Some much earthier character, too, from mushrooms to bark. Forest flowers. Perfumed. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a soft, creamy finish. Some iron and iodine to this. So attractive at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2023. (8/2/21)"

97 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Quintessa (Cabernet Sauvignon) sashays out with crème de cassis, blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly scents, plus wafts of dark chocolate, anise and lavender with a touch of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly styled and stunningly energetic, it has a fine-grained texture and long, fragrant finish. Drink: 2023-2048. (Oct 2021)"

96 points Jane Anson: "92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenere, 1% Petit Verdot. There is a physicality to the tannins from the first moments, with a slate grain that slows progress down through the palate. The raspberry and blackcurrant fruit is concentrated and confident with a mouthwatering tension and energy, rippled with sage, liqourice root and grilled cocoa. This is a wine that you can drink with great pleasure today but it will age - and likely shut down for a few years along the way. Native yeasts. First vintage in the redesigned winery, and together with the improved precision in the vineyard since the arrival of Rebekah Wineberg you find an extra kick of magic in the glass. Consultant Michel Rolland, 60% new oak for ageing. Drink: 2025-2042. (1/19/22)"

Producer notes: "The 2018 Quintessa is a wine of perfect harmony, with deep flavors and elegant layers that are apparent even from a young age. Intense aromas of cassis, black cherry, and raspberry intermingle with savory notes of sage and thyme; the 2018 Quintessa continues to unfold as notes of dark chocolate, graphite and fresh tobacco mingle with the fresh fruit.Precise and dense, the wine shows supple tannin that play with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and crushed rocks. The 2018 Quintessa has a perfect balance of fresh acidity followed by bright fruit and minerality at the finish that portends unparalleled aging potential."