Nose
Quintessa 2008 opens with fragrant plum and raspberry aromas with notes of cola, clove
and white chocolate rounding out a delicate perfume.
Palate
The wine enters the palate with
sweet red currant and plum fruit flavors and a silky mouthfeel. As it coats the mouth, concentrated
dark fruit flavors emerge with succulent balanced tannins, a subtle impression of
well-integrated oak and sweetness from the rich, ripe fruit. This vintage will gain complexity
in the bottle and age gracefully for a decade and more.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 growing season started out with the second of three consecutive dry winter seasons.
Heavy January rains quenched the vines’ thirst but there was very little rain afterwards.
March and April were almost rain free, with serious frosts. While the Quintessa’s vineyard
received virtually no frost damage, the cold spring led to significantly fewer clusters on the
vines, setting us up for a small yield. Variable weather during bloom limited fertilization of
the berries, further reducing the crop. Late summer heat pushed flavors and ripening towards
a moderate and dry harvest season. A small crop of concentrated, beautifully ripe fruit was the
year’s reward.
Vineyard blo cks
(in descending order of
quantity & varietal)
Dragon’s Terraces Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cruz del Sur
Cabernet Sauvignon, Corona
Norte Cabernet Sauvignon,
Corona Sur Cabernet
Sauvignon, Bench Cabernet
Sauvignon, Riviera Sur
Cabernet Sauvignon, Monte
Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon,
Mont Calisse Cabernet
Sauvignon, Howard’s Million
Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver
South Merlot, Riviera Norte
Cabernet Franc, Tesoro
Carmenère.
Bottling
Bottling date: Aug. 2010.
Winemaking
Maceration: 35 days average.
Aging
20 months in
100% French oak, 85% new from
diverse forests north of the
Loire River, very fine grained,
chateau style, medium plus
toast barrels.
Coopers
Taransaud, Demptos, Sylvain,
Saury, Seguin Moreau
