Quintessa Rutherford 2014

A less celebrated vintage than the 2013 but for me this is the more successful of the two, certainly if you are looking to drink it in the next few years. This was the second drought summer in the Napa Valley, and perhaps the vines were adapting, or perhaps the significant earthquake that struck at the end of August released ground water. What is certain is that there is a tenderness and a flexibility to the tannins that is extremely appealing, and the raspberry and blackberry fruits are wrapped in gourmet brioche and smoked caramel, while given lift by crushed mint and eucalyptus on the finish. Charles Thomas winemaker, Michel Rolland consultant, 80% new oak for ageing.