Technically billed as Quintessa’s “Red Wine” on the label, this is a blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% merlot, 3% carmenere, and 1% petit verdot — so, basically, cabernet. And what a lush cabernet it is: big with currants and chocolates both milk and dark, rum raisin syrup, a light balsamic character, and loads of lingering, brambly raspberry notes that cling endlessly to the finish. The wine really never stops, with a Christmas character that winds its way toward nutmeg and dried flowers on the finish. It’s incredibly complex and well worth your time in investigating its depth of character.

A / $200 / quintessa.com

2017 Quintessa Rutherford Red Wine

$200

9.5

Rating

9.5/10

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