Winemaker Notes
Paul and Edith Chaudière chose the name "Quintessence" to highlight the superiority, concentration, and careful selection of both the oldest vines (Grenache over 50) and the best vintages of production. Indeed, such a name implies extreme rigor, and not every vintage can achieve a Quintessence! But isn't rareness the very essence of Quintessence?
Varieties: 80 % Syrah & 20 % Grenache
"A good value, slightly better as well as more complex than the Terrasses, is the 2004 Pesquie Quintessence, a blend of 80% Syrah from 40-year-old vines and 20% Grenache from 80-year-old vines, all in the cooler northern zone in the Cotes du Ventoux appellation. This wine is aged in French oak for 12 months then bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dense ruby/purple to the rim with a big, sweet nose of graphite, black currant liqueur, licorice, as well as smoke, flowers, and barbecue spice, it is full-bodied, has superb fruit, beautiful texture, and a long, heady finish.
Chateau Pesquie certainly ranks among the top two or three estates of the Cotes du Ventoux. Working closely with Eric Solomon, who produces these custom cuvees, the quality appears spectacular, at least for American consumers who have access to a more personalized style of wine from this brilliant importer."
-Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
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.