Quintessa
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
California, USA
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
Today we visited the peaceful, tranquil vineyard and winery of @quintessawinery where years ago Augustin and Valeria Huneeus, of Chile 🇨🇱, set their sights on one of Rutherford’s gem properties, offering diverse soils, aspects, and four distinct microclimates all on the same property😍 🍇
Valeria, the viticulturist of the family, chose to farm this land organically and biodynamically. Quintessa more recently pursued and obtained formal certification. While the Huneeuses remain intimately involved, albeit to a lesser degree, the excellence of these wines and winemaking practices are carried forward under currrent winemaker Rebekah Wineburg. @postandvine
Here we have a flight that includes two Illumination white blends comprised of Sauvignon Blanc Musque, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semilllon varieties.
These blends are reminiscent of a Bordeaux Blanc from Pessac-Leognan region. These wines were fermented for various periods of time in a combination of concrete, stainless steel, acacia wood, and neutral oak vessels, lending dimension and complexity. These wines also underwent lees stirring, lending richness, weight, and creaminess. Just one year difference between these two wines and the result is noteworthy.
The 2018 is elegant, more restrained, and integrated, where as the 2019 is highly aromatic with florals 🌸 and tropical fruits such as melon, papaya, tart pineapple 🍍 . Both wines are approx 14% ABV and have bright acidity.
The name Illumination came from time spent in the vineyard, watching the sun illuminate the vines. The beautiful work on the label was inspired by the Book of Kells and stained glass, known to glow and shine with the luminescent sun. ☀️
Today we visited the peaceful, tranquil vineyard and winery of @quintessawinery where years ago Augustin and Valeria Huneeus, of Chile 🇨🇱, set their sights on one of Rutherford’s gem properties, offering diverse soils, aspects, and four distinct microclimates all on the same property😍 🍇
Valeria, the viticulturist of the family, chose to farm this land organically and biodynamically. Quintessa more recently pursued and obtained formal certification. While the Huneeuses remain intimately involved, albeit to a lesser degree, the excellence of these wines and winemaking practices are carried forward under currrent winemaker Rebekah Wineburg. @postandvine
Here we have a flight that includes two Illumination white blends comprised of Sauvignon Blanc Musque, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semilllon varieties.
These blends are reminiscent of a Bordeaux Blanc from Pessac-Leognan region. These wines were fermented for various periods of time in a combination of concrete, stainless steel, acacia wood, and neutral oak vessels, lending dimension and complexity. These wines also underwent lees stirring, lending richness, weight, and creaminess. Just one year difference between these two wines and the result is noteworthy.
The 2018 is elegant, more restrained, and integrated, where as the 2019 is highly aromatic with florals 🌸 and tropical fruits such as melon, papaya, tart pineapple 🍍 . Both wines are approx 14% ABV and have bright acidity.
The name Illumination came from time spent in the vineyard, watching the sun illuminate the vines. The beautiful work on the label was inspired by the Book of Kells and stained glass, known to glow and shine with the luminescent sun. ☀️
Floral, grassy and grapefruit. This is a gorgeous SB.
Floral, grassy and grapefruit. This is a gorgeous SB.
Aug 31st, 2019
