Nose
Quintessa 2006 opens with sweet and inviting aromas of bright black fruit with red fruit
undertones.
Palate
It announces itself dramatically with a full lush entry, developing into a broad,
rich and enrobing wine that coats the mouth with rich black fruit laced with a touch of
mocha, licorice, sandalwood and vanilla spice. With tremendous density, concentration
and ample fine tannins, this vintage is full and dramatic early and will age gracefully.
Growing Conditions
In 2006, a dramatic year started on day one. Record rains, 10 inches on the eve of the
New Year, caused flooding throughout Napa Valley. The dormant vines didn’t mind and
soon, warm February days brought out early blossoms that were then greeted with more
cold weather. April was the wettest on record. May followed with mild weather that
pushed flowering to early June. July arrived like a lion, with 15 days of record heat.
Verasion came at the beginning of August and mild weather continued through mid
September, providing slow, even ripening. Despite a tumultuous growing season, harvest
arrived uneventfully in late September and delivered a remarkable crop of beautifully
rich, ripe and intense fruit.
Bottling
Bottling Date:
August 2008
Winemaking
Maceration: 35 days average.
Aging
18 months in
100% French oak, 85% new from
diverse forests north of the
Loire River, with an emphasis
on tight grain wood, medium
plus toast.
Coopers:
Taransaud, Sylvain, Seguin
Moreau, Boussuet, Saury
