One Glass of Luxury, Another of Decadence: Quilt Wine

Joe Wagner, owner and operator of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, owns the Quilt brand of wines. Wagner’s philosophy in folding the Quilt label into his portfolio of unique wine brands (Belle Glos, Elouan, Beran, Böen, Carne Humana, and Steorra) was to represent “Napa Valley as a benchmark region for superb Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay”. And he did.

After having tasted the Quilt Chardonnay 2015 and Quilt Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, sent as samples, I can honestly write that each exudes luxury, elegance, and a fair share of decadence. And I loved it.

The name, Quilt, is just as enticing as the wines. From the sky, Napa Valley vineyards in six esteemed locations (Oakville, St. Helena, Calistoga, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, and Coombsville) appear to be patchwork of terroir, one that reminds anyone lucky enough to see it from above, of a vivid quilt. Those six vineyards areas produce grapes found in the stunning wines, exceptional Napa Valley examples of the classic structure and complexity adored by so many.

 

Quilt Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015 ($35) – My guests and I craved each sip of this beautiful, creamy Chardonnay that was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels. Rich and broad, I noted powerful aromas of caramel, honey, vanilla, bruised apple, and a bit of toast. The first sip revealed mesmerizing elements of fresh citrus, lemon curd, butterscotch, and bright acidity, all of which led to a lush, textured finish. Balanced and complex, this medium bodied wine from the Carneros district has a place on your table whenever you serve a rich pasta dish, creamy cheeses, or your favorite roast chicken.

Quilt Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($100) – Oh my. This wine is produced from grapes grown in the best 2% of the vineyard lots from Oakville, St. Helena, Atlas Peak, Coombsville, Calistoga, and Howell Mountain. They were chosen for their “intensity, complexity, and boldness of expression that could withstand a longer aging cycle and heavier use of new French oak.” And it shows. After letting the wine breathe in the bottle for about 20 minutes, I poured a glass from which lush, intense aromas of red currants, blackberry jam, blueberries, tobacco, lead, vanilla, exotic spice, and minerality were intense. Was I tempted to have a first sip? Of course! But to be honest, I wanted to savor every part of that entrance to this gorgeous wine. And then… Notes of elegant red and black fruit, hint of cigar box, chocolate, caramel, and anise were braided with lively acidity and rich, velvet tannins powered forth. Balanced with plenty of structure and a lingering, supple finish, the Quilt Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is exceptional.

Cheers! ~ Cindy