After having spent a month in the forever busy and bustling Los Angeles, we decided it was time for a little R & R and headed up to Northern California, to Napa and Sonoma County. Everything was so different there, so beautiful, there is this feeling of calmness and serenity that pervades all. Spring is already in the air and pruned vines stand ready and waiting for nature to give its signal. Flowers are all abloom between the vineyard rows and birds are busy twittering away.
We drove down quaint little country roads, amazed at the scenery, looking for a winery to grab our eye, so we could sit down and, with a glass of wine in our hand, talk about our plans and about how great it will be once we finally settle down here. On the left-hand side of the road we spotted an interesting crescent-shaped building with an impressive limestone edifice. Above this building stands another, smaller structure surrounded by rows and rows of vineyards next to the entrance of which reads a sign: Quintessa.Thanks to a newly acquired, very useful gadget ours—our iPhone—we quickly researched this winery right outside the gate finding out whether it was worth the trip in. Using my Wine Ph.D application, I looked up the winery andfound two wines listed, and 92 and 93 pointer with an average price of $116 a bottle. So, I thought, okay, let’s go! Soon we were on a tour of the winery, walking through the beautiful vineyards, listening to its interesting history. …
Here’s their story: This 116 hectare territory, located in the heart of Napa Valley, in Rutherford, belonged to a rich San Francisco family. The area is surrounded by five hills, giving the winery its name. The owner never cultivated this piece of land; until 1990, it had never been planted and all that was on it was a man-made lake and the beautiful nature with which it was endowed. It was the summer residence of this family who would occasionally come down for a visit. After the owner died and the property was inherited by his two children, the land was not sold despite the many lucrative offers they received. You have to know that this area is surrounded by wineries with hectares upon hectares of vineyards with prices reaching as much as two million dollars a hectare. In 1989, Augustin and Valeria Huneeus looked up the inheritors and presented them with their unique vision for the property. They wanted to build a biodynamic winery, totally self-sustaining, living off and supporting the land on which it was built, while leaving as much of the vegetation and wildlife there as possible in tact. The inheritors liked the idea and the property was sold. The first planting on this virgin soil took place in 1990 and five varieties were planted: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere (a Chilean variety, a tribute to Augustin’s heritage). These five hills are divided into 26 blocks, each of which has a different lay and soil composition giving the wine its many faces and rich complexities.
The winery was built into the hillside, leaving the outline of the hill untouched. Its limestone edifice is what we saw from the street. Processing begins above ground and, with the help of a little gravity, the grapes travel down the chutes to the tanks below. The processing area and equipment are all very nice and modern and the cellars are all below ground, keeping the wines at a constant, cool temperature. They keep only the best 30% of the wine for themselves and sell off the remaining 70%. Only one type of wine is made here, a blend, with the help of Michael Rolland. Their goal is to find perfect balance and harmony in their wines, highlighting its naturalness and the terroir it comes from, year after year.
The wine tasting: We began with two Cabernet Sauvignon barrel samples--same year (2008), different blocks. Very concentrated in color, taste, and smell; natural tannins and elegant notes of French oak. One is more concentrated than the other, both are exquisite with beautiful varietal aromas and very long finishes that seem to never want to end.
The next wine was a 2006 Quintessa. The clear, concentrated aromas are very promising. Wonderful balance—in front, mid-palate, and in back—everywhere, evenly. Natural flavors, very fruity, quite Cabernet Franc in the finish with a hint of chocolate nougat. Very long finish. This wine has huge aging potential. Price: $145.
The last wine was a 2005 Quintessa. Very unique wine with a taste all its own. An amalgam of exotic spices, fruits, and delicious complexity. A really “big” wine in all aspects. The aromas and flavors are in perfect harmony and linger in the mouth what seems like for hours. I would definitely give this wine a rating above 95 points. This is one of the wines I am sure I’ll never forget. Price: $155.
We had a wonderful visit to this winery, both the hospitality and the winery were first class. Many thanks to our guide, Mo, who showed us around the winery. This winery is the first winery that convinced me that yes, it is possible to make truly excellent biodynamic wine. This would definitely be a place I’d love to work once we finally settle down here…soon!
Wineries 
