Quintessa

Illumination Sauvignon Blanc

9.2397 ratings
9.171 pro ratings
California, USA
Sauvignon Blanc
Cheddar & Gruyere, Tomato-Based, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Goat & Feta Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, White Fish, Salads & Greens, Meaty & Oily Fish, Fruit Desserts, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Ron R
9.1

This was serviceable. I expected a little more from Quintessa. First time trying this. It presents the typical SB signature, without much else.

This was serviceable. I expected a little more from Quintessa. First time trying this. It presents the typical SB signature, without much else.

Jan 7th, 2022
Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

8.7

Sweet.

Sweet.

Nov 27th, 2021
Dr. Owen Bargreen

Winemaker Rebecca Wineburg has crafted a stunning blend of 44% Sauvignon Musque and 47% Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon. The resultant wine is one of the most compelling Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley which I have tasted in the past year and follows the exceedingly long line of great Illumination bottlings. This has a simply luxurious texture and mouthfeel that yeilds tropical fruit flavors which connect with a wonderful tension. This gorgeous wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2026- 94

Winemaker Rebecca Wineburg has crafted a stunning blend of 44% Sauvignon Musque and 47% Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon. The resultant wine is one of the most compelling Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley which I have tasted in the past year and follows the exceedingly long line of great Illumination bottlings. This has a simply luxurious texture and mouthfeel that yeilds tropical fruit flavors which connect with a wonderful tension. This gorgeous wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2026- 94

Feb 19th, 2019
Shay A
9.2

Weekly Wednesday Wine Committee and this was a special treat as not only was Weston from Montagu Wines in attendance, but Jason Moore, owner and winemaker for Modus Operandi Wines out of Napa. Blind format as always. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert.

Every part of me, and most everyone else in the room, called this New Zealand SB. Never had a SB with so much grass and jalapeño pepper on the nose. More grapefruit rind came in to play later and it had a typical SB finish with acidic/stone driven notes, but what a nose!

Weekly Wednesday Wine Committee and this was a special treat as not only was Weston from Montagu Wines in attendance, but Jason Moore, owner and winemaker for Modus Operandi Wines out of Napa. Blind format as always. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert.

Every part of me, and most everyone else in the room, called this New Zealand SB. Never had a SB with so much grass and jalapeño pepper on the nose. More grapefruit rind came in to play later and it had a typical SB finish with acidic/stone driven notes, but what a nose!

Apr 18th, 2018
Kyle Gabriel

Ohhhhh hellllloooooo

Ohhhhh hellllloooooo

Feb 4th, 2018
Aaron Means

Exotic, tropical, melon and gooseberry. Hints of cotton candy oak.

Exotic, tropical, melon and gooseberry. Hints of cotton candy oak.

Oct 4th, 2017
Matt Sterr

Multiple different fermentation vessels. Big and complex.

Multiple different fermentation vessels. Big and complex.

Jul 18th, 2017
Stefan Dolhain

2015 vintage. Juicy, ripe, profound with great acidity. Hard to find a better Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious.

2015 vintage. Juicy, ripe, profound with great acidity. Hard to find a better Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious.

Jul 12th, 2017
Mike R
9.1

Quintessentially it is SB from Quintessa - man was this on the mark - so good

Quintessentially it is SB from Quintessa - man was this on the mark - so good

1 person found it helpfulApr 22nd, 2018
Jay Kline

Sublime. One of the best New World Sauvignon Blancs I’ve had.

Sublime. One of the best New World Sauvignon Blancs I’ve had.

1 person found it helpfulOct 24th, 2017