Nose
Quintessa 2007 opens to rich, complex aromas of dark black currant fruit with undertones of
raspberry, licorice and spice.
Palate
On the palate, the wine delivers what the nose promises—power
and refinement with a mélange of complex cassis, blackberry, mocha and sandalwood spice
flavors. A broad, rich middle palate and a long finish offer a delicate balance of intensity and
elegance, full fruit and supple tannins. This vintage will gain complexity in the bottle and age
gracefully for a decade or more.
Growing Conditions
The 2007 growing season was a year that despite minor weather drama resulted in a truly fine
vintage. The early winter kicked off the first of three consecutive dry winter seasons. February rains
quenched the vines’ thirst and cool days delayed development. Alternating cold and hot weather
before bloom limited fertilization of the berries, keeping crop levels below average. A cool early
summer allowed even, slow growth until the sun unleashed its heat in August and early September,
encouraging flavors and ripening. The end of the season was moderate and harvest rewarded us
with an exceptional crop of beautifully rich, ripe and balanced fruit, one of the best of the decade.
Vineyard blocks
(in descending order of
quantity & varietal)
Dragon’s Terraces Cabernet
Sauvignon, Riviera Sur
Cabernet Sauvignon, Corona
Norte Cabernet Sauvignon,
Corona Sur Cabernet
Sauvignon, Monte Cruz
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cruz del
Sur Cabernet Sauvignon,
Silverdale North Cabernet
Sauvignon, Bench Cabernet
Sauvignon, Silver South Merlot,
Riviera Norte Cabernet Franc,
Tesoro Carmenère.
Bottling
Bottling Date: August 2009
Winemaking
Maceration:
35 days average.
Aging
19 months in
100% French oak, 85% new from
diverse forests north of the
Loire River, very fine grained,
chateau style, medium plus toast.
Coopers:
Taransaud, Sylvain, Seguin
Moreau, Bossuet
