B-21 Top Recommendation
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A remarkably fresh and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc crafted by the winemaking team at Quintessa, the elegantly complex 95 pt. 2022 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc reveals bright aromatic tropical and citrus fruit with mineral driven acidity on a lush, creamy finish, reflecting the exceptional quality of the iconic Napa Valley estate and offered as a limited release at best on the market pricing.
First crafted as a white wine for family and friends to enjoy with food to complement the highly rated Quintessa, Illumination began as a passion project of pioneering vintner Agustin Huneeus, the inaugural release in 2002 sourced from a half-acre plot of Sauvignon Blanc planted on the same Napa estate where Quintessa is produced. Gaining cult-like status over the years mainly via word of mouth, the limited production 2022 Illumination comes from two plots of vines planted in the cooler areas of the Quintessa estate as well as low yielding vineyards in Southern Napa Valley and Sonoma County, the diverse terroir adding depth and intensity to the blend while preserving its distinct minerality. Crafted in a fashion similar to a classic Bordeaux Blanc, the 2020 Illumination is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc Musque, a unique clone that enhances the aromatics of tropical and stone fruits while contributing a smooth, luscious mouthfeel, along with Sauvignon Blanc which adds tangy citrus flavors and grassy notes and a smaller amount of Semillon contributing rich aromatics and texture. Fermenting it in a combination of concrete eggs and stainless steel tank to retain freshness, Quintessa winemaker Rebekah Wineburg aged the lush and creamy 2022 Illumination in mostly neutral French oak and Acacia barrels, stirring the lees to enhance weight and develop complexity and yielding an enticing, harmonious blend expertly balancing rich fruit and racy acidity.
Produced in small amounts and typically reserved for winery members, the appealing 2022 95 pt. Illumination Sauvignon Blanc ranks among the top scoring California Sauv Blancs of the vintage, delivering on the Quintessa reputation for unmatched elegance and complexity whether enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a meal. | 
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