Chateau Pesquie Quintessence 2019
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Robert
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
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Spectator
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Quintessence Rouge was first made in 1990 by Paul Chaudière. At that time this region was considered a backwater of the Rhône, only capable of producing cheap, bulk wine. Largely due to the efforts of Paul, and now his sons Alex and Fred, the Ventoux’s reputation has never been better and Quintessence remains one of the benchmark wines of the region and a tremendous value. Quintessence is a blend of primarily Syrah with a small proportion of Grenache (~20%) – all from 50+-year-old vines planted at an elevation of 250-350m.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Ventoux Quintessence was presented as a representative sample. A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, aged mostly in barrique, it will be blended and bottled this winter. On the nose, it delivers fresh blueberry and plum notes, while the palate is marked by crisp acids, but also ripe, creamy tannins and great length and intensity.
Blend: 92-94 -
Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the smaller production cuvées, the Syrah-dominated 2019 Ventoux Quintessence reveals a deeper ruby/plum color followed by a beautiful bouquet of smoked red and black fruits, gamey herbs, spring flowers, and an almost forest floor-like character. With considerable elegance on the palate, medium to full-bodied richness, and silky yet building tannins, this is straight-up classy stuff. It will benefit from a year or three of bottle age and drink nicely for a solid decade.
Range: 92-94 -
Wine Spectator
The dark cherry and plum flavors are sleek and defined, framed with a judicious toast accent and inlaid with dried anise, black tea and singed sandalwood notes on the finish. Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2024.
Other Vintages
2020-
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Robert
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Spectator
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Jeb
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Spectator
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
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Robert
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Enthusiast
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Robert
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Robert
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Robert
Parker
Chateau Pesquié is the story of three generations of passionate winemakers. Odette and René Bastide, took over the vineyard in the beginning of the 1970’s and restructured a large part of it. They used to bring their grapes to the local Cooperative.
Edith and Paul Chaudière, René & Odette’s daughter and son-in-law, decided to give up their medical careers to take over the family estate in 1985. They traveled in many wine regions (in France, Spain, Germany, the US, etc.), became sommeliers and worked on terroir selection... This led them to create their own winery in 1990, first vintage of Château Pesquié. By then, it was one of 10 independent wineries: there are now more than 120.
Fred and Alex Chaudière, the two sons of Edith & Paul, have taken over gradually since 2003 with the firm objective to take it to the next level and show the world how amazing the Ventoux terroir is!
In the 80’s, Paul Chaudière began sustainable farming. When Alexandre & Frederic took over, they started moving to organic (first plot converted in 2007). The estate is now fully converted to organic agriculture (Ecocert).
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.