Striking in its impressions of winemaking polish right from the start with a fine fit of lively, very deep fruit and sympathetic sweet oak, the 2010 Quintessa hits all the right varietal marks and earns an extra tip of the hat for its altogether impeccable sense of balance. It is so refined and tasty, in fact, that we can see how it will surely tempt early drinking, but, like all top-level Cabernet Sauvignons, it will show much more with age, and we urge that be allowed to rest for no fewer than six to eight years.

The 2010 Proprietary Red Wine continues to drink well, showing just a slight color change at the rim. Representing a different winemaking team than current efforts (and a relatively cool vintage), it's a crisp, streamlined effort, with cigar box notes tightly framing cherry fruit, a silky feel and a lingering, mouthwatering finish. - Joe Czerwinski

Pure, rich and supple, with a mix of mocha, dark berry, cedar and black licorice notes, all coming together on the finish. The tannins keep the reverberating flavors in check. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Drink now through 2026. – JL