Quintessa Red Wine 2010

The 2010 Quintessa, a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere (don't forget, the proprietor Agustin Huneeus has a background in Chile), is an elegant, finesse-styled red offering deep, rich, cassis fruit, dusty, loamy soil notes, medium to full body and ripe tannins. This evolved, seductive, round, generous 2010 offers up attractive notes of white chocolate and flowers as it sits in the glass. This is one of the first vintages made by Charles Thomas who has an impressive resume having worked previously at Robert Mondavi Winery and Rudd Estate. This 2010 should be drunk over the next decade or more.

Pure, rich and supple, with a mix of mocha, dark berry, cedar and black licorice notes, all coming together on the finish. The tannins keep the reverberating flavors in check. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Drink now through 2026.