2022 Quintessa Illumination

For years, Quintessa was the only wine produced at the estate, but recently, Illumination, Quintessa's white counterpart, was also introduced, made from 83% Sauvignon Blanc and 17% Semillon. The 2021 Illumination is a fresh and fragrant wine, with intense flavor and compelling texture. Notes of grapefruit, lemon, and white peach create tension, while botanical floral aromas of orange blossom, quince, lemongrass, and thyme add complexity and excitement. A bright and lively mouthfeel, with citrus aromas, hints of elderflower, and a distinct minerality, is balanced by a creamy texture and a medium-bodied, layered, and lingering finish.

ABOUT QUINTESSA

Quintessa, HIDDEN IN THE HEART OF RUTHERFORD, sits on a 280-hectare estate that reflects a diverse geology, biodiversity, exposure, and microclimate. Inspired by this distinctive terrain, founders Agustin and Valeria Huneeus believed it was destined to become one of the world's great wine estates. Today, a total of 160 hectares are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère across 26 vineyard blocks. Each block is harvested—organically and biodynamically—and vinified individually to preserve the nuances of the land.

Depending on the vintage, Quintessa may contain some or all of the five varietals grown on the property: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère. The fruit is harvested early in the morning, then sorted and gravity-fed into oak, stainless steel, or concrete tanks and vinified. Once fermentation and maceration are complete, the wine from each plot is aged separately in French oak for up to two years. After the final Quintessa blend is created, the wine is bottled and aged for another year before release.