Quintessa Napa Valley, Rutherford AVA 2018

Slick and well made, with coffee mocha and buttescotch edging right up front. As it opens in the glass, less sweet and more complex notes come through of bitter chocolate, damson, cocoa bean, smoky yet generous, the definition of powefful and playful. Farmed organically since 1989 and biodynamically since 1996. I recently tasted a vertical of the property going back to 2010, and am always impressed by its consistency, and its ability to deliver pleasure while still walking the line of freshness. Third year on the Place for Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, and their impact on this property has been impressive and keeps getting better. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg, consultant Michel Rolland.