Napa icon Agustin Huneeus Sr., was the first winemaking luminary to sign on for the Long Shadows Vintners project, and the Quintessa vintner continues his collaboration with Philippe Melka for this Left Bank-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (12%) and Cabernet Franc. Red Mountain fruit and Sagemoor’s 40-year-old block combine for the backbone of Cab, while sister plantings Dionysus and Weinbau contribute the rest. The opulent program of 22 months in 75% new French oak barrels leads to classic aromas of cassis and raspberry with cherry pipe tobacco, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. Sandy tannins akin to shaved chocolate make for a luscious yet bold drink reminiscent of black cherries, black currant and black olive as blueberry acidity pushes beyond the finish. This ranks among the most immediately approachable bottlings since the program began with the 2003 vintage.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,821 cases
Alcohol: 15%
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