Quintessa 2019 DEMI

Quintessa 2019 DEMI (37,5 cl) brings one of Napa Valley’s most admired estate reds into a more approachable, half-bottle format—perfect for intimate dinners or when you want a top-tier wine without opening a full bottle. This proprietary red blend from Rutherford showcases the hallmark elegance, purity and structure that have made Quintessa a benchmark for modern Napa cabernet-based wines. The 2019 vintage is already wonderfully expressive, yet retains the depth and poise that have defined the estate since its founding in the 1990s.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Quintessa shows a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is immediately inviting, with layers of black cherry, ripe cassis and blackcurrant framed by delicate floral tones—violets and dried rose—alongside notes of cedar, sweet tobacco and well-integrated vanilla from fine French oak. On the palate, this is medium to full-bodied, sleek and beautifully polished. A silken texture wraps around dark berry fruit, plum and black cherry, supported by refined tannins that feel powdery rather than grippy. Subtle accents of licorice, cocoa, caramel and baking spice emerge with air, adding complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, soft and slightly dusty, with a lingering echo of dark berries, tobacco leaf and a gentle touch of caramel and licorice. In demi format, it will drink well from now through roughly 2028, with the wine evolving a bit more quickly than the standard 75 cl bottle.

Production
Quintessa is an organically and biodynamically farmed estate set on a prime hillside-and-valley site in Rutherford, Napa Valley, where gravelly, alluvial soils and varied exposures allow for nuanced, layered wines. Grapes are hand-harvested parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness, often in the cool of the night to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. The 2019 Proprietary Red is a Bordeaux-style blend centered on Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and occasionally Carménère, all vinified separately in stainless steel and small tanks before blending. The wine is then aged in carefully selected French oak barrels, a significant portion new, to add structure and spice while maintaining the estate’s signature balance and elegance.

Food & Serving
This 2019 Quintessa DEMI pairs beautifully with refined yet flavorful dishes: think grilled ribeye or flank steak, lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, roast duck, or braised short ribs. It also works with richer vegetarian plates such as mushroom risotto, lentils with roasted root vegetables, or eggplant gratin. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. In half-bottle format, a short decant of 30–45 minutes is ideal to let the aromatics unfurl and the texture fully soften, especially if enjoyed in its youth.

Producer
Quintessa is a landmark estate in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley, founded by Agustin and Valeria Huneeus with the vision of crafting a single, estate-grown wine that reflects the character of one remarkable property. Since its first vintage in the late 1990s, Quintessa has become one of Napa’s most respected names for elegant, terroir-driven, Bordeaux-style blends, emphasizing organic and biodynamic farming. The estate’s commitment to meticulous vineyard work, parcel-by-parcel vinification and restrained, thoughtful use of oak has earned it consistent critical acclaim and a reputation as a reference point for sophisticated, ageworthy Napa Valley reds.