5 Powerful Secrets About Dominus Estate Cabernet

Are you curious about the Dominus Winery in the Napa Valley? This winery is owned by Christian Moueix.

You might have read about Dominus Estate for its highly awarded Cabernet Sauvignon red wine.

Or maybe you are an architecture fan and saw pictures of the stunning winery built by Swiss architects,

Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.

If you love Dominus Cabernet you will like to read the incredible story behind this delicious “California Cab” with a “Bordeaux touch.

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Dominus Winery: The Best of France “Know How” In the Napa Valley

The name “Dominus” means “Lord of the Estate” in Latin. It is located in the volcanic foothills of the Mayacamas mountain range, in Yountville.

Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley when he was a student at UC Davis.

Christian and his family own Château Pétrus and several other famous estates in Pomerol.

Yet as a self-described“terroir freak” he quickly recognized the potential of the Napa Valley.

The moment Christian saw the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards that are now Dominus Estate, he knew he found the perfect property for high quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dominus Napa Valley: Every Great Wine Has a Story

That story often begins with the man or woman behind the wine.

Christian Moueix was lucky enough to be born into a relatively famous wine family.

That said, his father Jean-Pierre Moueix (the legendary Bordeaux wine merchant) was a self-made man.

As the “second son” of a traditional family, the Jean-Pierre Moueix knew from an early age he would not inherit from the family and would have to make his own life.

Jean-Pierre Moueix is man said to have a great deal of charm, intellect, and wit.

All three of these qualities allowed Jean-Pierre Moueix to parlay his collection of Monet paintings (purchased inexpensively when he was a youth) into money to purchase wineries.

The Château Pétrus Acquisition

Jean-Pierre Moueix was able to befriend and earn the trust of the owner of Château Pétrus, Madame Loubat. He worked with her team to help improve the winery.

Then, after her death, he was able to eventually purchase the estate.

Christian Moueix’s Story: From Pomerol to UC Davis

Christian Moueix obtained his diploma in agricultural engineering. In 1970, he joined the family business in Pomerol.

Right away, he decided that “vine balance” was the most important element in quality wine.

Towards that end, he began to “green harvest”–cutting Cabernet Sauvignon grapes so the vines could concentrate on the fruit instead of foliage.

The workers were shocked.

They found it wasteful.

But from his study and reading Christian knew that green harvesting was the best way to improve the quality of the wine.

At the same time, he realized that he could not focus on wine quality with so many estates to oversee.

So Christian sold half of their holdings to better concentrate on Le Fleur Petrus, Trotanoy, Hosanna, and Providence in Pomerol and in Saint-Emilion, Belair-Monange and Magdelaine.

1973: Off to UC Davis

In 1973, Christian enrolled in wine making classes at UC Davis.

He explored the Napa Valley terroir.

In Napa, Christian befriended Robert Mondavi and his wife Margrit.

Though he was heading back to Bordeaux and the family business.

But before leaving, Christian asked Robert Mondavi to keep his eye out for the right Napa Valley property.

The Napanook Estate

In 1982, Christian Moueix knew he found “gold” (or the potential for excellent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon red wine) when Mondavi alerted him to the Napanook Estate.

The estate had been owned by John Daniel, former president of Inglenoonk (his great uncle Gustave Niebaum was the founder of Inglenook).

In the 1940s and 1950s, the estate had been the source of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit for some of the best wineries in the Napa Valley.

After John Daniel’s death in 1970, the coveted NapaNook estate went to his daughter Robin Lail and her sister.  By 1995, Christian Moueix became sole owner of the estate

Architecture of Dominus Estate

The visionary Swiss architects, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, were hired to build a winery that would be perfectly integrated into its landscape.

The Dominus Winery was completed in 1997, and in many ways set the trend for winery architecture to follow.

Here you will find panoramic views of the vineyard and hillsides.

The winery dissolves into the surroundings, allowing visitors to feel one with the vineyard.

Viticulture Focus

With his agriculture and UC Davis diplomas, Christian Moueix considers terroir the most important element in quality wine.

In addition to this, he feels that dry farming (no irrigation) is the best way to stress the vine so they can produce the best fruit.

The Dominus Estate vineyards are planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Christian feels that Merlot (so well suited to his native Pomerol)

Assemblage

.That said, the assemblage varies from year to year.

Typically features Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot as blending grapes.

The soil at Dominus Estate is gravel and clay loam.

In winter, precise cane pruning ensures ideal cluster spacing for optimal fruit ripening.

Dry farming encourages a deep root system, as the roots dig deep into the soil for moisture.

The French plow removes weeds and encourages deep root growth.

And Christian continues with his cluster thinning (green harvest) he insisted upon back in his Pomerol days.

While they do these procedures in many Cabernet Sauvignon and red wine based wineries these days, I was surprised to learn that the grapes are “rinsed” 10 – 15 days before harvest to remove dust and enhance the purity of the fruit.

Also–a bit unusual for dry wine – I learned the sunny side of the vines are picked a few days before the shady part to ensure perfect maturity.

This is more common when picking botrytized grapes for wine like Sauternes, where pickers go out in several tries.

More Viticulture Tactics

Viticulture techniques like use of cover crops to replenish the soil and prevent erosion are employed.

So our “owl houses” so natural predators can replace chemical methods of pest control.

In the Dominus Estate Winery

They separate the different grape varieties. Cluster sorting is done by hand, with an optical berry sorting system.

The more gentle pumping over extracts aromas, color and tannins.

The vertical wine press is set to a low pressure to release components from the skins. The wine is gently fined with egg whites before bottling. ]

40% new French oak barrels are used and they produce only 3800 cases in a typical year.

No Acidification

In California it is not unusual to acidify in especially hot years. Christian does not believe in this.

Final thoughts

As a member of the trade, I feel so happy and lucky for the opportunity to visit this gorgeous estate and see these famous, well-cared for vines.

I especially enjoyed tasting a few vintages of the wine, and more fully understanding how caring for the soil (in addition to picking the the right vineyard) so dramatically affects the taste of the wine.

The first time I tasted Dominus was several years ago at a Manhattan wine auction.

A gentleman was running around the room, pouring red wine from a covered bottle, and daring guests (all collectors or professionals) to guess what the wine was and where it was from.

The Verdict

With so many famous, super expensive wines for offer (some 1st growth Bordeaux chateaux were among the offerings) tasters mostly volunteered the blind-tasted wine must be from a top chateaux in Bordeaux. I thought that as well.

Yet the wine turned out to be Dominus, and though this happened many years ago, I always longed to taste it again.

The second time I tasted Dominus was last fall in New York, when several Bordeaux producers came to show their wine to the trade.

Christian Moueix was there, as well as his right hand Kassidy Harris who runs things at Dominus. Christian brought Dominus, as well as his other Pomerol estate wines.

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post 5 Powerful Secrets About Dominus Estate Cabernet appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Clos Pegase Estate Winery

Visiting Clos Pegase Estate Winery in the Calistoga AVA of Napa Valley

When people think of Clos Pegase Estate Winery in the Napa Valley, they think of mainly three things:

1. Clos Pegase Chardonnay
2. Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon
3. The famous architecture of the Clos Pegase Estate Winery, and the art collection within.

My recent visit to the Hess Collection Winery, with its extensive art collection, alerted me to the presence of another winery with an impressive art collection: The Clos Pegase Estate.

Origins of the Clos Pegase Estate Winery

The original owner and creator of Clos Pegase was Jan Shrem.

He was born in Columbia to Jewish-Lebanese parents.

After emigrating to the USA as a child, he made his way through the University of California, at Los Angeles selling encyclopedias.

Then he parlayed this experience into what would become a multi-million dollar book publishing company.

Like many entrepreneurs, Jan Shrem developed a love of art and wine.

He decided to translate this into a world-class winery and art exhibition space.

After searching for the right terroir, he decided to build his winery in the Calistoga AVA of the Napa Valley, California.

Clos Pegase Architect Michael Graves

After an extensive, international competition and selection process, architect Michael Graves was chosen to design Clos Pegase.

His goal was to create a modern structure with a nod toward ancient Mediterranean architecture and culture.

Clos Pegase was completed in 1987.

Close Pegase Art and Architecture

At Clos Pegase, art, architecture, and wine are intertwined at every turn.

It is interesting to note that the name of the Applebone vineyard vineyard comes from the sculpture Applebone by Mark di Suvero, part of founder Jan Schrem’s modern art collection.

Clos Pegase inspired the Chateau Bordeaux exhibit at the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

It was the only foreign winery featured as a point of comparison to Bordeaux Chateaux.

Heritage Garden: Conservation, Biodiversity, and Style

This Heritage garden was created in the summer of 2015 to conserve water.

It also enhances the beauty of the Clos Pegase winery with its special collection of rare, drought-tolerant plants and trees.

Drought tolerant plants include 19 heritage Jubaea Chilenis “Wine Palms” — the largest West Coast collection north of Santa Barbara. Other drought-tolerant specimens, sourced from wine-growing regions around the world, include bold and ethereal spiky dasylirions,

Plants in the collection act as pollinator resources, attracting foraging bees and hummingbirds.

Clos Pegase Estate Winery Vineyards

The four vineyards of Clos Pegase are spread over 450 acres, each with unique characteristics.

Grape varietals are matched to the right location.

Mitsuko’s Vineyard

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted here because of the cooling breeze from San Pablo Bay. Yet the soil also has Haire clay-loam similar to that of of the Right Bank of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon grows best in the section known as Graveyard Hill with its own unique rocky, well-drained soil and an aspect that maximizes sun exposure

Tenma Vineyard

The Tenma Vineyard is located in the foothills of Mount St. Helena. The rocky terrain is well-drained with a very sparse topsoil which is a perfect combination for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes here form the basis for the Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon.

Applebone Vineyards

You can see the beautiful Applebone vineyards (four acres of them) from the tasting room. This vineyard is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon because of the gravely Bale loam soil. Only one clone is used, the French Dijon Clone 191. This clone ensures small and concentrated fruit that is high quality and unique. Wine geeks may find it interesting that high density plantings along with rootstock selection 420A helps limit the vigor. This keeps the vines in balance and eliminates the green, unripe flavors which can be an issue with some wines made of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dunaweal Vineyard

The Dunaweal Vineyard has a fine Bale loam soil with a layer of gravel and a richer topsoil than the other vineyards. Bordeaux varieties such as Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and other red grapes such as Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah grow well here.

The Clos Pegase Estate Winery Tasting Experience

The tasting room overlooks the Heritage Garden, Applebone Vineyard and offers a fabulous view of the Mayacamas Mountains. The first tier estate flight includes a taste of five limited production estate-grown wines. It is $35. Prices go up after this according to the various experiences.

You can also choose an interactive walking tour of their Calistoga estate, caves and bottling facility and a sampling of five limited production and estate-grown wines along the way.

Then there is the Connoisseur all-inclusive tour, tasting & charcuterie pairing where you will learn about the history of Clos Pegase and taste some of their library wines.

You can also find fun events such as progressive tastings, and a private picnic event – yet remember the majority of these special tasting events must be reserved in advance.

Clos Pegase Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

Today I am going to limit myself to discussing just two of the Clos Pegase Estate Winery winea.

2016 Napa Valley Estate Tenma Vineyard Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon

This has a dark purple core and aromas of cassis, wood, cigar box and black currant – very similar to a Bordeaux wine. A few moments later you will get more nuances of aromas and flavors such as graphite and wet clay. A delicious wine that punches well above its weight.

2017 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Carneros Clos Pegase Chardonnay

This is a deliciously rich Chardonnay made in a restrained French style, with barrel maturation and full malolactic conversion for that luscious texture and flavor. Discreet use of oak with a long length of finish.

Tips for Visiting Clos Pegase Winery Estate in the Napa Valley

It is important to look at the website closely at least a week before your visit to allow enough time to make the necessary reservations.In busy times like summer or holidays, you might need to book well in advance.

List of Essentials (Marisa’s personal recommendations

1. A hat, especially for sunny days.
2. Sunglasses for the same reason
3. Sunscreen very necessary in summer.
4. A charger for your device so not to miss once-in-a-lifetime pictures.
5. Your favorite bottled water
6. A cup for expectorating wine in case it is not provided.
7. A small notebook to record details about the wine or vineyards.
8. Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard visits

Logistical Information

Depending on traffic, it may take two hours – or more – to visit Clos Pegase in the Napa Valley.

Be certain to allow enough time for travel.

The Clos Pegases Estate Winery Club

The Wine Club offers many advantages, including discounts and some free tastings.

Click this link for Pegase WInery Club Information

If you like this article you may like

Exploring Dominus Estate

Exploring Chappellet Winery 

Final Tips 

Consider this face cover to block out the strong sun – more effective than sunscreen.

Wear a hat – this one is made from a fabric with sun blocking agents inside of it.

Think about a sun shawl to protect you as you stay under the sun

Clos Pegase Driving Directions

Address

Clos Pegase Winery & Tasting Room

Open daily: 10:00-5p.m.
1060 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515

Driving Directions

From Hwy 101

• Take the Hwy 37 exit to Hwy 121
  • Turn left onto Hwy 121 to Hwy 29
  • Turn left (north) at Hwy 29 and continue toward Calistoga
  • Turn right on Dunaweal Lane

From I-80

• Take Napa turnoff in Vallejo, follow signs to Hwy 29
  • Turn right (north) at Hwy 29
  • Follow signs for “Calistoga, 29 North”
  • Continue north on Hwy 29 towards Calistoga
  • Turn right on Dunaweal Lane.MORE ABOUT AUTHOR MARISA DVARI**Follow Marisa on Instagram here**Marisa D’Vari DipWSET holds the highest qualification from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET), representing three years of intense study.  In addition, she has completed the “Honours Level” of the WSET, representing an additional year writing a thesis.Key Wine Credentials

  D’Vari  has several of the most important wine credentials in the world, including the “Certified Sommelier” designation from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Certified Wine Educator qualification from the Society of Wine Educators.  She has several blind tasting and other diplomas from the American Sommelier Association and Sommelier Society of America.

  Wine Competition Judge

  Marisa D’Vari is a judge for the International Wine Challenge and International Wine and Spirits Competiton, as well as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Wine Competition

  Associations

  D’Vari is the first American member of the UK’s Association of Wine Educators and a member of the global Circle of Wine Writers. She is a long standing member of FIJEV, the International Federation of Journalists of Wine and Spirits.

  D’Vari is a Finalist in the 2019 Millesime Blog Competition, and the author of five non-fiction books.

   

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Conn Creek Winery

Napa Valley Barrel Blending

Do you love Napa Valley winery events, not just tasting Napa Valley wine itself?

Yes, I can relate. We all love to book a Napa Valley Wine Experience.

This typically means tasting the wine in the tasting room.

We can even book a food and wine pairing experience.

Yet the best Napa Valley Winery Events are events that are active.

You play a key role in the winery event itself. Such as the barrel blending experience at Coon Creek winery in the Napa Valley.

Conn Creek Winery Barrel Blending Experience: One of the Best Napa Valley Winery Events

So for the second time now, I can vouch for the Conn Creek Winery blending session as one of the best Napa Valley Winery Events.

If you love Napa Valley red wines, you know that the majority of wines are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.

As a wine lover, you know there is an “art of the blend” in the Napa Valley.

This is why the Conn Creek winery event known as the “barrel blending experience” is one of the best Napa Valley winery events,

On a personal note, I’ve wanted to take part in this Napa Valley winery event for quite some time.

I first heard about this Napa Valley winery event from former Conn Creek winemaker Mike McGrath.

He explained his barrel blending winery event for visitors, saying that it was more of a “class” than a typical Napa Valley Winery Event.

Objective of this Napa Valley Winery Event Barrel Blending Class

The objective of this winery event is for Conn Creek visitors to assemble their own wine.

They do this by blending a wine from all the different appellations owned by Conn Creek.

The most expensive Cabernet Sauvignon wine at Conn Creek is called the Conn Creek Flagship Anthology Bordeaux style blend.

The word “Anthology” refers to a collection of literary or artistic works. At Conn Creek, the name suggests the layers of depth and complexity that can be achieved through the art of blending.

“Anthology” is expensive because it takes a very seasoned palate to use the exact right amount of grapes from the different appellations to use in the blend.

Structure of the 90 Minute Barrel Blending Winery Event

Guests are very warmly welcomed as they enter the main tasting room of the Conn Creek winery.

I emphasize the word “warmly” because the tasting staff team is extremely friendly. 

They seemed very excited to introduce guests to their winery and show them how the wines are assembled.

While you wait for the class to begin, you are offered a glass of the Anthology wine.

The reason for this offering is twofold. First, it is relaxing to sip wine as you meet the rest of the group you will have class with.

Second, tasting this “finished wine” helps get your palate ready for understanding how your finished blend “should taste.”

At least according to Conn Creek standards.

That said, during the blending class you are free to blend whatever style of wine you desire.

The Blending Class Logistics

Participant numbers can vary, yet there seemed to be about twelve people during our Napa Valley winery event.

Most if not all were couples, yet I could imagine that the class would be fun for groups of friends or event wine lovers traveling on their own.

The room was enormous, with gigantic windows that let in the sun and barrels of wine on one side.

The walls also had maps of the various Napa Valley appellations.

Our hostess was very friendly and welcoming.. 

She spoke in a way that enabled everyone in the class, from new wine drinkers to seasoned professionals, to understand the fundamentals of how, and why, Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon wine is blended.

The reason Conn Creek blends Cabernet Sauvignon wine from different Napa Valley appellations is because in winemaking, a blended wine (usually) creates a more complex wine.

Yet the “how” is also important. Every vintage is different in the Napa Valley.

Beyond that, each appellation is known for unique qualities. Some appellations produce a Cabernet Sauvignon wine with higher acidity.

Some appellations have stronger tannins.

Part 1 of the Wine Blending Experience

 

As you take your seat, you will notice five filled glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon wine from different appellations, as well as two empty glasses for blending.

 

You will see a document written by the creator of the class, as well as various tools for your wine blending experience.

 

This includes a pipette for assembling your blend.

 

Our engaging, charismatic leader spent about a half hour explaining how and why each glass of Cabernet Sauvignon had a different flavor profile, even though it was the same variety.

The difference is because of the climate and terroir of its respective appellation.

People who like a softer style of wine, might prefer the softer flavors that come from the Sonoma appellation.

People who like stronger tannin and a bolder flavor profile might like a majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon from the Saint Helena appellation.

Note: If you like this piece, check out related content:

• Visit to Chappellet Winery
• Visit to Quintessa Winery
• Chalk Hill Winery with Courtney Foley

Part 2 of the Wine Blending Experience

If part 1 of the wine blending experience is listening, then Part 2 is actively making the blend. This part of the class requires several things.

1. You must remember from Part 1 the characteristics of each appellation.
2. You must be relatively good in math to make sure the components add up correctly.
3. You must exercise self-restraint and remember that Malbec and Petit Verdot add “spice” and should be used in very modest amounts.

It is also necessary to amble, avoid splashing people with your wine as you take samples from the different barrels, and write down the exact proportions of your blend.

Once your sample blend is approved by your own palate, you make the final blend.

This is the wine you will pour into a bottle, and seal yourself with a cork.

They also encourage you to design a label for your wine.

I had a lot of fun making my own blend.

A year later back in New York, I took the wine and myself out to a restaurant to celebrate my masterpiece.

c

During the visit  I was able to meet the new winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Grant.

She is fresh from being Assistant Winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Look for great things from her to come!

I strongly recommend this incredible Napa Valley Winery event.

If blending is not your thing, you can discover the wines of Conn Creek with a formal wine and cheese pairing tasting experience or just taste the delicious wines of Conn Creek at the tasting bar.

Reservations are necessary: Click on this Conn Creek link or call 707.968.2669.

 

 

 

Like this article? Check out these excellent wine book reviews here.

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post Conn Creek Winery appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

 Quintessa Winery

Quintessa winery is just off the Silvarado Trail in Rutherford, Napa Valley. It is about 90 minutes from San Francisco by car.

It’s considered  one of the best small wineries in the Napa Valley. It is also one of the most fun wineries in Napa for wine tours.

Many will agree that Quintessa Winery is possibly the most picturesque winery in the Napa Valley.

Quintessa Winery Tours

Quintessa Winery is an organic winery. Two of the winery tour options at Quintessa Wine Estate include a delightful vineyard tour. In this way you can see the health of organic vines.

Then after the tour you can taste the corresponding quality in the wine.

The “Ambasssadors” at Quintessa Winery (this is their word for guides) in Rutherford encourage guests to book a “tasting experience.”

Yes, I know, the word “experience” is a nebulous word.  The concept alludes to the reality that your visit will include more than tasting the wine.

It involves the concept of understanding the goal of owner Agustin and Valeria Huneeus and their philosophy.

We will discuss the different tour and wine experience options below.

Quintessa Winery : History in Rutherford, Napa Valley

You can imagine that it takes a lot of money to buy such expensive land for wine vineyards. As Agustin Huneeus is responsible for the success of Concha Y Toro, one of the most popular brands in Chile, he can afford the land and the costs of its development.

**Click Here for the Best Wine Resources**

Quhttp://shopintessa Winery Vineyards in the late 1990s

So in the late 1990s, Agustin Huneeus looks at the 280 acres of land that is now Quintessa. He sees the potential of the land, as well as the amount of  work that must be done to plant vineyards.

Experts arrive to advise on the best grape varieties to grow. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are planted in addition to others.

Quintessa Winery  Harvest and Vinification

After the three required years, grapes are harvested and vinified at the Franciscan winery. At the same time, Agustin is building the state of the art Quintessa Wine Estate. 2002 marks the opening of the new Quintessa Rutherford winery. Aaron Pott is the first winemaker.

Quintessa Winery : Booking a Tasting Visit

As Quintessa Winery Napa Valley, you can taste red wine from Bordeaux varieties and white wine from Sauvignon Blanc. The Cabernet based red Bordeaux wine, Quintessa also includes the varieties Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère.

It is possible to have a simple tasting in the Quintessa tasting room. Yet having visited this picturesque Rutherford winery, you will want to consider options that include vineyard visits below. The reason is that you will have a much richer experience and understanding of the Quintessa Wine Estate.

Please continue to read about the various tasting experiences, and the essential items you are strongly suggested to bring with you, below the jump.

Quintessa Winery: Tasting Experiences

Quintessa is one of the best Napa wineries to visit because of the quality of the wines and the incredible scenery.  The wine experiences must be booked in advance. The price range as of 2019 begins at $75 and goes up  to $150.

Some may consider the fees high. One reason for the fee to taste wine is because the owners want you to have a wonderful experience. This means a very comfortable experience without crowds. Click to Tweet They want to make sure you understand all about Quintessa wine, both the viticulture and the winemaking.

When you make an appointment you and your group will have your own personal Ambassador to explain the wines as you taste them. And also answer all questions.

Quintessa Winery : Premium Tasting Experiences

The Salon Tasting Experience showcases the famous Illumination Sauvignon Blanc, the new release and library vintage. It is a 45 minute seated flight including three wines.

The Estate Tasting is an immersive look into the Estate. The semi-private visits begins with a guided walk through the vineyards. It concludes with a relaxing sit-down tasting showcasing current releases and library vintages.

Quintessa Winery Experience

The Quintessential Quintessa Winery Experience includes the scenic walk to the vineyards and then a tasting in the private pavilion overlooking the vineyards. You will taste exclusive barrel selections and library wines paired with cheese. Click to Tweet Your ambassador will tell the wonderful story that is Quintessa. You will also enjoy the Quintessa caves and gravity flow winery.

Time did not allow me to enjoy the Quintessential Experience, yet I must admit as I was walking through the vineyards I wished I could sit down in that fabulous Pavilion and sip the wine as I looked out at the vineyards. So for me, this is the wine experience that is most worth it. With this tour you can also see the caves and winery.

You can choose your Quintessa Wine Experience tour here

Quintessa Winery : What to Wear, Bring, and Expect When Visiting the Quintessa Wine Estate

Expect to have a wonderful time, taste great wine, and learn a lot about the famous Quintessa white and red wines.

Yet for practical measures you might consider the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.

Though most wineries do provide a bucket for expectorating the wine you may not wish to swallow (for driving and other reasons),

I always take it upon myself to bring my own paper cup or plastic reusable cup. Many wineries have water available for seated tastings, yet you may wish to bring your favorite brand.

Essentials to Bring for Winery Visits

1. A hat, especially for sunny days.
2. Sunglasses for the same reason.
3. Sunscreen very necessary in summer. Personally, I find this face covering more protective and less irritating.
4. A charger for your device so not to miss once-in-a-lifetime photos.
5. Your favorite bottled water
6. A cup for expectorating wine in case it is far away or not provided.
7. A small notebook to record details about the wine or vineyards.
8. Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard visits

Quintessa Winery: My Experience

Desiree, pictured above, was my Ambassador during this visit.

The visit started with a visit to the vineyards, which was more gorgeous than I could imagine. I was very grateful for my walking shoes, as you will walk quite a bit uphill. I saw the pavilions along the way, reserved for the higher-end wine experience tours. How wonderful to book this tour category. The views are breathtaking.

During this outdoor excursion, Desiree explained the history of Quintessa. Then we toured more areas of the property and had a comfortable tasting in the beautiful Quintessa Tasting room.

The Tasting of the Quintessa Wines

The 2016 white Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is a signature wine at Quintessa. It is delicious. The Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of bright flowers and flavors of white peach and kiwi fruit. Click to Tweet The grapes are hand-picked and rushed to the winery while still fresh.

They ferment the grapes with mostly native yeast. The wine is aged in a variety of barrels (including a small percentage of French oak, Acacia barrels, and egg-shaped concrete fermenters). The objective is to give richness on the palate while retaining fresh aromas.

Quintessa 2014

They make the current release of Quintessa 2014 from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere.

These are traditional Bordeaux varieties. 2014 is a perfect growing season. This is despite the earthquake and drought. This wine is an attractive deep garnet color with flavors of fresh cherry and blackberry. Also layered notes of violets, graphite, and cedar spice. They age it for 21 months in 100% French oak, 80% new.

Then 20 days maceration on the skins.

Quintessa Estate: The Wines Tasted

The Quintessa 2012 is also from an excellent vintage. It is a classic Napa summer with warm days and cool nights. The wine is made with the same Bordeaux varietals as above for the same 21 months. This vintage 85% new French oak is used, with 20 – 26 days maceration on the skins.

The Quintessa 2011 is from a challenging vintage with a lot of rain. The Quintessa Wine Estate the team used selective picking and careful sorting. This ensures only perfect grapes are used.

This wine has more aromas of crushed wet rock, sandalwood, and clove along with fresh cherries, currants, and red plum. Click to Tweet 85% new French oak is used on this wine as well, but the maceration time was 28 days long.

The Quintessa Wine Estate follows organic and even biodynamic practices. You can almost taste the effect of these practices on the health of the grape through the wine.

Quintessa Winery : About Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg

Rebekah has worked at some of the most prestigious wineries in the world. She loves working at Quintessa because of its diversity of vineyard blocks and soil types. She loves working with the Huneeus family and is passionate about the organic processes of the Quintessa Estate Winery.

Very friendly and natural, Rebekah enjoys spending some time out of the winery at special dinners featuring Quintessa Winery Estate wines.

Quintessa Winery: Watch the Film

https://www.quintessa.com/the-experience

To make a reservation call (707) 286-2730 or email reservations@quintessa.com.

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If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

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About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

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