This wine is a Napa red meritage blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc).

The Quintessa estate is comprised of a total of 280 acres of which 170 acres are planted to the classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (129 acres), Merlot (26 acres), Cabernet Franc (7 acres), Petit Verdot (4 acres), and Carmenere (4 acres). The estate is part of the Rutherford appellation. It lies in the heart of the Napa Valley and covers about six square miles between Oakville and St. Helena with a total of 3300 vineyard acres.

The wine was given to me by my best friend a number of years back. I had been saving it for a special occasion and decided that the other night was such an occasion and an appropriate time to open a bottle.

Very dark ruby red in color. Violets, baked blueberries, rhubarb and black cherry on the nose. Dark fruit compote, black cherry, crème de cassis, currant on the palate with coffee, leather, graphite and a hint of green pepper. Silky smooth with a broad mouthfeel, very approachable. Lots of fruit, but also showing some elegance and finesse.

This certainly is not a value and probably not a wine I would purchase for myself; however, it was very enjoyable and helped make the occasion just a bit more special.