2022 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Quintessa's 2022 Illumination is a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc (Musqué), 33% Sauvignon Blanc and 17% Sémillon, with 55% of the volume sourced from Sonoma and the balance from Napa Valley. Fermented and aged in a mix of oak, acacia and stainless steel barrels, plus a healthy proportion of concrete eggs, it boasts subtle hints of pencil shavings accenting pear, fig and melon notes. In this warmer vintage, there's even a hint of honeyed ripeness. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky, round and generous on the palate, then comes to a crisp, lemony finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
50% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 33% Sauvignon Blanc and 17% Sémillon. Whole-cluster pressed before the juice is fermented with native yeast in a variety of vessels: French oak barrels, acacia barrels, egg-shaped concrete fermenters, stainless-steel barrels. Aged in 4% new French oak barrels, 2% acacia barrels, 23% concrete egg, 15% stainless-steel barrels and 56% neutral French oak barrels. Certified organic (CCOF) and biodynamic (Demeter). Medium lemon in colour with a touch of green. Lemon and lime – very primary, with tangerine juice and orange-blossom lift to it. Sweet, pithy fruit – Meyer lemon. It's got a well-marbled fattiness to the palate from the weight of the Sémillon that makes it taste nearly sweet. This wine looks nice at the moment but you'd be doing yourself a disservice drinking it now – the potential for development is outstanding. The acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc and fat of the Sémillon are well balanced to go the distance. Scored for where it is now. Potential is greater – stash it away! (SCJ)
Juicy citrus, honeyed flowers, and some terrific chalky minerality define the 2022 Illumination, a medium-bodied, very Bordeaux Blanc-like, balanced, elegant Sauvignon that will shine on the dinner table.
Aromas of dried apple, pineapple and lemon with honey blossom follow through to a medium to full body with a lovely texture and a wonderful finish with phenolic framing and intensity. 83% sauvignon blanc and 17% semillon. Drink or hold.