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.

An assemblage of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache put together to approximate the final blend, the 2018 Ventoux Quintessence utilized a bit higher proportion of demi-muids than the 2017. The result is that notes of vanilla and baking spices accent the raspberry fruit on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is plush and creamy, finishing long, velvety and simply put, deliciously.

The 2017 Ventoux Quintessence turned out a bit disappointing after the performance of the prebottling sample. Dominated by notes of leather, spice and cola, it just seems to lack the freshness I saw the previous year. It's full-bodied and velvety in texture, with plenty of concentration, and should drink well for the next 4-5 years.

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2016 Ventoux Quintessence continues the success of this cuvée, delivering dark layers of cola, dried spices and plummy fruit. It's full-bodied and plush, with a substantial 40% of new barrels, but it's balanced by 30% of the wine being aged in concrete, giving it richness without being overwhelmingly oaky. The bright, fresh finish seems to guarantee at least 5-8 years of longevity.

Tasted as a final blend, the inky colored 2015 Ventoux la Quintessence is a step up over previous vintages, and I suspect it will be the greatest vintage for this cuvee to date. Not harvested until the 18th of October (which is average to early for this terroir... they finished on October 31st in 2013), it has sensational purity and polish, with full-bodied richness, a big mid-palate, ultra-fine tannin and killer notes of creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and graphite. Count me as a fan and it's anther wine that will see its 20th birthday in fine form.