The estate’s top cuvee, the 2000 Quintessence, is amazing stuff! A formidably endowed, inky purple offering, it is full-bodied, dense, chewy, and loaded with broodingly backward, thick flavors of blackberries, cherries, and licorice. This blend of old vine Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%) is an unctuously-textured, gorgeously thick, rich effort that represents the essence of this property’s vineyards. It should hit its stride in 1-2 years, and last for 10-12, possibly longer. It held up three days without any fruit deterioration. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565