1998 Quintessa
Vintage: 1998
Producer/Winery: Quintessa
Wine: Proprietary Red
Country: USA
Region: California
Appellation: Napa
Varietal Composition: Bordeaux Blend
Aging: New French oak
Climate: Maritime
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Winemaker: Aaron Pott
Production: n/a
Bottle Value: $100-$150 USD
Where: Walla Walla When: December 31, 2009 With whom: Greg, Tyler, Chelsea, Peter, and Scott
Perspective: 1998 was a difficult vintage in Napa Valley but as always there are wines that pull through and come out drinking pretty well. At first the wine seemed a bit tired, there was very little fruit, the tannins were powdery and it seemed as if the wine was not going anywhere. Then after an hour we went back to it and behold it had opened up and was showing some signs of life. Very pleasant on the palate with developed aromas of tea leaf and forest floor. Blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and subtle hints of spice linger for bit but soon fade away. Elegant and easy to drink but I do not believe it will develop any more complexity. Drink it now if you have any tucked away.
Systematic Approach
Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep ruby core and rim. No sediment or deposits.
Nose: Clean. Medium (+) developed aromas of blackberry, forest floor, and brewed tea leaf.
Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium soft/ripe tannins. Medium (+) alcohol. Medium (+) body. Medium (+) intense flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry, and plum. Balance – Dry. Thick acidity, rounded/resolved tannins, warm alcohol and meagre fruit. Texture – powdery tannins and supple viscosity. Overall Impression – baked ripeness, fading in freshness and mellow. Medium length.
Conclusion: Good quality for texture and balance. Drink now.
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