Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2024, 2023, 2022
The Wine Spectator by MaryAnn Worobiec 94 Points | Fragrant, effusive and charming, with notes of honeysuckle and orange blossoms up front giving way to a creamy mix of mango, orange sherbet and lemon curd. Spicy accents of candied ginger, litsea oil and salted, preserved lemon join a drizzle of wildflower honey and linger on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 5,000 cases made. (2024).
The Wine Advocate 93 Points by Joe Czerwinski | Quintessa's 2024 Illumination blends fruit from Napa (55%) and Sonoma (45%). As usual, there's a decent-sized dollop of old-vine Sémillon (14% this year) in the blend, with the rest of the fruit being Sauvignon Blanc—roughly one-third of that is the more aromatic Musqué clone. Fermented and raised in a variety of vessels, including new and old French oak barrels, acacia barrels, stainless steel drums and concrete eggs, it offers up enticing scents of pencil shavings, lemon zest, grapefruit and fig. Plump and medium-bodied in the mouth, it boasts a fine line of acidity from start to finish, giving the fruit a spine to play against and prolonging the concentrated, citrusy finish. (2024).
(Vintage 2023) Wine Spectator 95 Points | An extraordinary white, with details of beeswax, honeysuckle and lanolin giving way to succulent white peach, nectarine and lemon curd flavors on a plush, juicy frame. Shows details of marmalade and candied ginger, with hints of litsea oil and lemon balm that linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2035. 5,000 cases made.
(Vintage 2022) 94 Points James Suckling | Aromas of dried apple, pineapple and lemon with honey blossom follow through to a medium to full body with a lovely texture and a wonderful finish with phenolic framing and intensity. 83% sauvignon blanc and 17% semillon. Drink or hold.
(Vintage 2022) 90 Points Wine Enthusiast | Bright, refreshing and with some good fruit depth, this wine made from 50% Sauvignon Musqué can be sipped alone and will also pair nicely with lunch and appetizers. A touch of ripeness/sweetness softens the edges and amplifies the citrus and grassy flavors.
