2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc by Quintessa

“Vibrant, herbaceous aromas of lemon verbena and thyme lead to tangy citrus and nervy mineral flavors on an almost chewy, tangy texture. Medium-bodied, fresh and well balanced. Made from 58% sauvignon blanc, 32% sauvignon musque and 10% semillon. Medium-bodied and acid driven. Fermented in barrels, concrete eggs and one ceramic amphora. Drink now or hold.” – Jim Gordon Review Date: April 2025

“Lush aromatics of white peach, white blossoms, and grapefruit pith spin into flavors of lemon curd, white nectarine, and a refreshing sea fresh and savory finish. Crisp, delicious. Will continue to gain pleasing richness and depth with time in bottle, or benefit from decanting now.” – Elaine Chukan Brown Review Date: July 2025

“As usual, the 2023 Illumination is a blend of Napa and Sonoma-sourced fruit, including Sauvignon Blanc from the estate (Musqué), southern Napa and Bennett Valley, plus Sémillon from Calistoga. Fermented and aged in a mix of oak and acacia, stainless steel and concrete, it kicks off with scents of struck flint and pencil shavings, backed by notes of pear, fig and pineapple. It's medium to full-bodied but also bright, fresh and zesty, with a lingering finish. Drink Date: 2024 - 2030 My brief, late-day visit to Quintessa allowed time for a nine-vintage vertical of the winery's white wine, now simply called Illumination. Today, the core of the wine comes from the estate's plantings of Sauvignon Blanc (Musqué), with other contributions from southern Napa and Bennett Valley (in Sonoma), plus up to about 20% Sémillon from Calistoga. Harvest normally takes place between the end of August and the end of September, with the last fruit to come in being the Sémillon. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg vinifies and ages the wine in a variety of vessels, mainly used French oak barrels but also concrete eggs, stainless-steel drums, acacia barrels and usually around 5% new French oak barrels. Recent experiments include so-called cigar barrels (elongated 340-liter French oak vessels) and ceramic eggs. Malolactic fermentation is routinely blocked to help retain freshness. Illumination is a fine example of Napanoma Sauvignon Blanc, being nicely rounded and harmonious in most vintages yet with enough zest and freshness to sustain it through a decade of cellaring.” – Joe Czerwinski Review Date: February 2025