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Showing posts from June, 2015

Quintessa - a red from Nappa

Quintessa is in the heart of Nappa Valley, in Rutherford.  It's a very pretty part of the world, not one I get to frequent often but I always enjoy it when I do.  On this occasion it was purely luck that brought me to their vineyard for tasting and a visit.  It was back in 2007 and I was with a colleague driving around Nappa.  We saw the sign and just drove up.  Typically they don't allow walk ins - you have to book in advance for a tasting experience.  Very different to most Australian vineyards.  We got lucky and were able to have a modified experience with just a tasting.  Still nothing there is 'just a tasting'.  It's a full on seated experience with decanted wines & cheeses. They really go all out to make it enjoyable.   Quintessa is unusual.  They have 5 varietals that grow on the estate - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. The wine is a blend that can include all or some of these and is different year on yea