Quintessa Rutherford Red Wine 2013 750mL

The 2013 Quintessa is an elegant wine that effortlessly walks a line of youthful maturity. Soft, integrated notes of black raspberry and crushed autumn leaves emerge from the glass as the 2013 transforms after ten years resting in the cellar. This vintage will grow increasingly complex in character over yet another decade.

The 2013 growing season can be described as an early, even and excellent vintage. A warm dry Spring brought early bud break and with the exception of one heat spike in late June, temperatures were consistent resulting in notably healthy vines. Cooler sunny weather throughout October allowed the final grapes still on the vine to develop superior phenolic and flavor maturity. This vintage has given us an extraordinary gift, exceptional promise and potential to exceed expectations—another year that has been described as nearly perfect.

98 Points - James Suckling, "This is really fantastic on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, lavender, and violets. Even sage. Full body plus extremely integrated tannins that are polished and refined. The balance and harmony is phenomenal. Goes on for minutes. Beautiful now but will satisfy for decades."

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "Still showing terrifically youthful purple color, the 2013 Proprietary Red Wine delivers waves of cedar, vanilla and black cherries. It's richer and more concentrated than typical for the estate yet still silky in feel, with a medium to full-bodied palate and ample length on the mocha-tinged finish. Best After 2016."

96 Points - Falstaff, "Glorious, ripe plum is wrapped in notions of leather and smoke, and exquisite, ethereal top note of mint. On the palate and almost playful suppleness, a very serious wine but with a twinkle in its eye, a knowing elegance, a mysterious smokiness. Such layers, such plushness, such poise. Drink now until 2040. Gorgeous."

94 Points - Decanter, "An excellent, powerful and concentrated wine with smoked tar notes, ripe fig and gourmet blackberry puree. Shares similarities with the 2017, this is a big and ripe wine that is extremely easy to recommend. Impressively nuanced as it spends time in the glass, showing a curl of rose petal on the finish. 85% new oak. Carménère and Petit Verdot complete the blend. Drinking Window 2020 - 2038."