Created in 1996 from a new plot selection, this cuvee is a pure expression of the estate’s oldest Merlot growing in limestone soil. Situated at an altitude of 150 feet, these 70-year old vines are rooted in clay-limestone soil with outcroppings of bedrock. These “old vines”, whose vegetation cycle is particularly long, offer small yields with small bunches of grapes on red stalks… pure caviar!

Quintessence, as its name suggests, is a complex, intense, meaty wine, but also equally refined and subtle, very often recognized for its floral or even licorice notes.