Agustin Huneeus has championed some of the greatest startups and corporate comebacks known to the wine world. He catapulted the fledgling Concha y Toro into Chile's largest wine company in the '60s. Directly responsible for transforming their entire company image, Franciscan has Huneeus to thank for leading them into the premium wine category, too. But nothing satisfies Agustin's spirit quite like his personal project, Quintessa. Along with his wife, Valeria – architect of the Quintessa vineyard – this humble couple from Santiago, Chile have transformed their Rutherford property into one of the most important Cabernet sites in the world. A dozen potential buyers came before them, but it would be only Valeria who would successfully secure this precious site – transforming the land in her own image. Quintessa – unspoiled and never before cultivated – offered the couple a truly unique opportunity. Beginning by preserving 100 acres of natural woodland, they incorporated sustainable farming from day one. Within a decade, this hidden land – sitting on the eastern edge of Rutherford, abutting the Vaca Mountain range – became a fully biodynamic paradise; fully self-contained and self-sustaining. The point, says the couple, is so that "our wine will be known for the property from which it originates, rather than its varietal composition." My current offers flirt with perfection.
This is fresh and vivid with blackberries, dark chocolate and fresh mushrooms, as well as bark and dark, trumpet mushroom-like notes. Medium to full body with fine tannins and a creamy, fine texture. More savory notes come through. Subtle and complex. From biodynamically grown grapes. So delicious now.
94 points, James Suckling (Jan 2022)
Sports a very forward set of cassis and creamed plum notes before giving way to a firmer, more authoritative iron, warm earth and singed alder profile. Grippy and dense through the finish, but there's cut and drive, with a savory edge adding good energy. This just needs some time for the mineral side to settle in with the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Best from 2024 through 2034. 10,000 cases made.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Oct 2022)
For the 2011 vintage, Winemaker Charles Thomas blended Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from the winery's 280-acre biodynamic and organically farmed estate in the heart of Rutherford. The effect is memorable, the wine pungent in red plum and cherry. Light, layered and elegantly smooth on the palate, it has a backdrop of black pepper and clove. Cellar through 2025.
93 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2014)
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