Quintet Signature 2019
Tasting notes
Our "Quintet" is a classic blend of five Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Individual barrels selected from only the most exceptional lots are blended together to create this full-bodied Bordeaux-style wine, rich in flavor and aroma with complexity and depth.
2019 Vintage
This elegant, palate-driven expression of a Bordeaux blend from the Sierra Highlands of California is all built upon how well the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon of 2019 just melded together. We actually did add the 1% each of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc so we could call it a proper Quintet, but it really was the cherry and soft edges of the Merlot lining up with the earthy currant and herbal spice (and tannins) of the Cab Sauv that made this wine. Complex in the aromas but incredibly inviting, the 2019 Quintet draws you into its lair seductively. But it’s the entry into the mid-palate, enveloping the senses with currant and black cherry fruit and sexy yet refined voluptuousness. There is no new oak on this wine to muddle up the purity, and the finish is soft with a rounded tannin structure (thank you Merlot), luring you in for another sip. And in the end, you are a better person for having had experienced this wine!
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Varietal | Blend |
| Varietal Composition | 56% Merlot
41% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Cabernet Franc
1% Malbec
1% Petit Verdot |
| Appellation | El Dorado |
| Vineyard | Estate Vineyards |
| Acid | 0.61g/100ml |
| PH | 3.46 |
| Aging | 19 months in barrel (20% new French oak) |
| Fermentation | 18 days on skin(average between the varieties and lots) |
| Alcohol | 13.90% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 06/17/2021 |
| Cases Produced | 293 |
This traditional blend of Bordeaux varieties is also a unique blend of our vineyards. Although all planted around the 3,000-foot elevation, each of the five varieties are grown in slightly different micro-climates with different trellising systems. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot all come from the Estate vineyards in Camino whereas the Malbec and Petit Verdot traditionally come from our Enyé vineyards in Pleasant Valley. Ranging in age from the low teens to upwards of 40 years, these low-yielding vines are very much in their prime. The blending of these lots from separate locations provides yet another aspect for balance and complexity in our Quintet.
Paul Bush, Owner/Winemaker
Madroña Vineyards
Camino, California.
We are a family-owned and operated winery focusing on terroir-driven, Estate-Grown fruit.
Annual Case Production: 12,000 cases
Planted Acres: 70 acres planted at the 2,850 to 3,000 foot elevation.
Career Background: Having helped plant the family vineyards as a kid in 1973, I grew up working in our winery what seemed like every day after school. I had no intention of “winding up” in the wine industry and graduated from U.C. Davis in 1989 with a degree in Economics. However, with an interest in traveling abroad, our winery offered a flexible schedule and an opportunity to work with inspiring winemakers such as Mark Foster and Hugh Chappelle. I began managing the vineyards and business in 1991 and making the wines in late 2002.
Biggest Professional Challenge: Balance! Working with my wife, Maggie, we find our greatest challenge is how to be business owners with all of its responsibilities while making the wines, growing the grapes, marketing the brand and raising two daughters. Any given day can be filled with dusting the vineyards at daybreak, acid trials before lunch, working in the tasting room in the afternoon—and then throw in a swim meet or school play for spice. Undoubtedly, every small, family winery tackles the same aspect of wearing so many hats, but the challenge and excitement is unique to each one.
Varietals that Madroña is Known for: In total, we grow 27 varieties in our El Dorado vineyards. From within these plantings, however, I believe that Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Riesling and the seven Portuguese varieties (for our New-World Port) are consistently outstanding.
Short Testimonial: I truly can’t imagine doing anything else but growing grapes and enjoying wine. I believe the terroir of our region is unique with overall cool-climate aspects, peppered with warm summer days and a slightly shorter growing season. So finding the true expression of each variety for our vineyards ends up being an exciting and challenging adventure every vintage. The wines have more backbone and structure than most regions of California while showcasing the intense varietal character of mountain fruit. Most often, I find that the wine knows best in how it should be “made,” and I’m just along for the ride. As we once heard in France, “One does not make wine. One elaborates wine!” And with our Estate-grown grapes, I am quite content to be the “elaborator.”
