Quintessa 2017

Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg values the Carmenere (which is one of the national grapes of Chile – Quintessa was founded by the Chilean-born Agustin Huneeus) because it “it contributes well-developed herbal character with moderate tannins. It performs really well for us.” The early palate is dry and intense with extraordinary garrigue (sage and herb) characters, some tapenade, then some sweet black fruit, very savoury with bright acidity, warm without any alcohol heat, the whole effect of freshness & a dry warmth & fine tannins (the season was “defined by heatwaves”, Wineburg says, and October was ravaged by wildfires but there’s no hint of smoke taint here) with a fine wash of juice at the end. Needs at least five years before even thinking of opening – a lovely wine