Are you searching for the iconic Quintessa wine in Asheville? Look no further than Metro Wines, where our commitment to exceptional selection meets our ability to source premium and hard-to-find wines. Quintessa, the celebrated Rutherford estate in Napa Valley known for its outstanding Bordeaux-style blends, represents the pinnacle of California winemaking—and it's exactly the kind of prestigious bottle we specialize in providing to our discerning customers.
The Metro Wines Difference: "We Got That!"
At Metro Wines, we've built our reputation on a simple but powerful promise: "We got that!" Our philosophy extends to prestigious wines like Quintessa, which represents the kind of high-quality, sought-after selection that wine enthusiasts in Asheville deserve access to. Located at 169 Charlotte Street, our shop combines the extensive inventory you might expect from a large retailer with the personalized service and expertise of a neighborhood wine shop.
As owners John Kerr and Gina Trippi explain, "We wanted to create a shop that would provide not only the best service but still offer great value. Our prices are internet competitive." This commitment to both service and value extends to premium offerings like Quintessa, ensuring you can enjoy exceptional wines without paying inflated prices.
Having been voted the number one wine shop in Asheville for the past seven years, quoted in The Wall Street Journal five times, and recently featured in Wine Enthusiast, Metro Wines has established itself as the go-to destination for wine lovers seeking both everyday favorites and special bottles like Quintessa.
Understanding Quintessa: A Wine Worth Seeking
Before exploring how Metro Wines can help you acquire Quintessa, it's worth understanding what makes this wine so special and sought-after among collectors and enthusiasts.
The Estate and Philosophy
Quintessa is the creation of Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, who acquired 280 pristine acres in Rutherford, Napa Valley in 1989. What makes the estate remarkable is its diversity of microclimates, soils, and exposures across five distinct hills, two lakes, and a river, creating a property with extraordinary winemaking potential.
The Huneeus family embraced the concept of a "wine estate" in the European tradition, where a single property grows grapes and makes wine exclusively from that site. Quintessa embodies this philosophy, producing a single namesake wine that expresses the unique character of their land.
The Wine's Character
Quintessa is a Bordeaux-style blend, primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Carmenere depending on the vintage. The wine is known for its elegance, balance, and ability to express both power and finesse—hallmarks of the finest Napa Valley wines.
Typical tasting notes include black cherry, cassis, and plum fruits, complemented by notes of graphite, cedar, and subtle floral elements. The wine's structure provides both immediate pleasure and excellent aging potential, making it a versatile addition to any wine collection.
Metro Wines' Exceptional Sourcing Capabilities
Finding premium wines like Quintessa can be challenging, especially in smaller markets. However, Metro Wines has developed extensive sourcing networks and relationships that allow us to provide wines that might otherwise be unavailable locally.
Direct Relationships with Distributors and Producers
Over our years in business, Metro Wines has cultivated strong relationships with distributors and, in some cases, directly with producers. These connections give us access to allocated and limited-production wines that aren't widely distributed.
For prestigious wines like Quintessa, these relationships are invaluable. While many retailers may have limited access to such wines, our network allows us to secure allocations that we can pass along to our customers.
Beyond Standard Inventory
While we maintain a carefully curated in-store selection, our sourcing capabilities extend far beyond what you see on our shelves. If you're looking for Quintessa or other premium wines that we don't currently have in stock, don't hesitate to ask. As we like to say, "If we don't have it, we will make every effort to find it for you."
This commitment to sourcing has made Metro Wines a destination for collectors and enthusiasts looking for everything from current releases to specific vintages of fine wines like Quintessa.
Expert Staff Knowledge: Your Guide to Premium Wines
Finding exceptional wines is only part of the equation—understanding them is equally important. At Metro Wines, our knowledgeable staff serves as your guide to the world of fine wine, including prestigious offerings like Quintessa.
Always a Sommelier on Duty
One of Metro Wines' distinguishing features is that there is always a sommelier on duty. These wine professionals bring both retail and restaurant experience to their role, allowing them to provide insights that go beyond basic recommendations.
When it comes to premium wines like Quintessa, this expertise is invaluable. Our sommeliers can help you understand:
- How the current vintage of Quintessa compares to previous releases
- The optimal drinking window for different vintages
- Food pairing suggestions that will complement the wine's character
- Proper decanting and serving recommendations
- Cellaring advice if you're planning to age your wine
Meet Our Expert Team
The heart of Metro Wines is our exceptional staff, each bringing unique expertise to enhance your wine experience:
- John Kerr, co-owner, was born in Napa, with wine ingrained in his heritage. His deep knowledge of California wines, including prestigious estates like Quintessa, makes him an invaluable resource for customers seeking premium Napa selections.
- Gina Trippi, co-owner, brings her strategic background to the wine world and authors the weekly newsletter, "The Public Palate: Putting Wine in Its Place," often highlighting exceptional wines and producers.
- Andy Hale, Director of Sales & Education, has worked in the wine industry for almost two decades. As a Certified Specialist of Wine and first-level Sommelier, he brings professional expertise to his recommendations.
- Catherine Lavezzo, Wine Buyer, is focused on "tasting food properly paired with wine" and has developed a particular interest in the complexity, intricacy, and interlocked flavors of fine wines.
This collective expertise ensures that when you inquire about Quintessa at Metro Wines, you're not just purchasing a bottle—you're gaining access to a wealth of knowledge that enhances your appreciation and enjoyment of the wine.
The Custom Ordering Process: How to Get Your Quintessa
At Metro Wines, we've streamlined the process of sourcing special wines like Quintessa, making it simple and convenient for our customers.
Step 1: Inquiry
The process begins with your inquiry—whether in person, by phone at (828) 575-9525, or through our website. Simply let us know you're interested in Quintessa, specifying the vintage if you have a preference. If you're uncertain about vintages or have questions about the wine, our sommeliers can provide guidance.
Step 2: Sourcing and Pricing
Once we understand your needs, our team leverages our distribution networks to locate the wine. For Quintessa, which has limited production and distribution, this may involve checking with multiple sources to find the best availability and pricing.
After locating the wine, we'll provide you with pricing information that remains competitive with online retailers—without the uncertainty of shipping wine across state lines or the risk of improper handling.
Step 3: Confirmation and Purchase
When you're ready to proceed, we'll confirm the purchase and arrange for the wine to be delivered to our shop (if it's not already in our inventory). For particularly rare or older vintages, a deposit may be required.
Step 4: Pickup or Delivery
Once your Quintessa arrives, you have options for receiving it:
- In-store pickup: Visit our shop at 169 Charlotte Street to collect your wine. This option gives you the added benefit of speaking with our staff for serving suggestions and food pairings.
- Local delivery: If you prefer, we offer delivery services throughout the Asheville area. Delivery is free within 3 miles of our shop, $7.99 for deliveries between 3-10 miles, and $16.99 for deliveries between 10-15 miles.
Our "Wine Please!" service even allows you to text "Wine Please!" to our number, and we'll prepare your order for pickup or delivery, typically within 1-24 hours.
Why Choose Metro Wines for Your Quintessa Purchase
When seeking premium wines like Quintessa in Asheville, Metro Wines offers advantages that set us apart from other retailers and online sources.
Local Expertise and Accountability
Unlike anonymous online retailers, Metro Wines provides a face-to-face relationship with wine experts who stand behind every bottle they sell. This accountability ensures that the Quintessa you purchase is authentic, properly stored, and in excellent condition.
Proper Storage and Handling
Fine wines like Quintessa require proper storage conditions to maintain their quality. At Metro Wines, we understand the importance of temperature control and proper handling. When you purchase from us, you can be confident your wine has been stored appropriately—something that can't always be guaranteed when ordering online.
Beyond the Transaction
Purchasing Quintessa from Metro Wines isn't just a transaction—it's the beginning of a relationship. Our team is available to answer questions about serving, decanting, food pairings, and cellaring, providing ongoing support that enhances your enjoyment of the wine.
Quintessa and Beyond: Exploring Similar Prestigious Wines
While Quintessa represents a pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking, Metro Wines can also introduce you to similar prestigious wines that might complement your collection. Our target specialty wines include:
- Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon: Another exceptional Napa estate known for elegant, age-worthy Cabernet
- Ridge Montebello: The iconic Bordeaux-style blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains
- Dominus: Christian Moueix's celebrated Napa Valley estate wine
- Joseph Phelps Insignia: One of Napa's original proprietary red blends with a long track record of excellence
- Caymus Special Select Cabernet: The premium offering from the Wagner family
- Opus One: The historic collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild
Our ability to source these and other prestigious wines makes Metro Wines a one-stop destination for collectors and enthusiasts looking to explore the finest wines available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quintessa and Metro Wines
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How much does Quintessa cost at Metro Wines?
Pricing for Quintessa varies by vintage, with more recent vintages typically ranging from $200-250 per bottle. Older or particularly acclaimed vintages may command premium prices. We strive to maintain competitive pricing relative to online retailers and other wine shops. For the most current pricing, please contact us directly.
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Can Metro Wines source specific vintages of Quintessa?
Yes! While availability varies, we can often source specific vintages of Quintessa through our network of distributors and sources. Older vintages may require more time to locate and may be subject to market availability, but our team will make every effort to find your desired vintage.
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How does Metro Wines ensure the authenticity and proper storage of premium wines like Quintessa?
We work exclusively with reputable distributors and sources, ensuring the provenance of every bottle we sell. Additionally, our shop maintains proper temperature and humidity control, protecting the quality of fine wines until they reach your hands.
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Is Quintessa suitable for aging, or can I drink it upon purchase?
Quintessa is crafted to be both approachable in its youth and capable of developing additional complexity with age. Most vintages can be enjoyed within 3-5 years of release but have the structure to evolve beautifully for 15-20+ years in proper cellaring conditions. Our sommeliers can provide specific guidance based on the vintage you purchase.
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Does Metro Wines offer any similar alternatives if Quintessa is unavailable?
Absolutely. If Quintessa is temporarily unavailable or if you're looking to explore similar wines, our sommeliers can recommend alternatives that offer comparable quality and style. These might include other premium Napa Bordeaux blends or wines from similar terroirs around the world.
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Can Metro Wines help with building a collection of premium wines like Quintessa?
Yes! Beyond helping you source individual bottles, our team can provide guidance on building a balanced collection of fine wines. Whether you're just beginning to collect or looking to expand an established cellar, our sommeliers can recommend wines that complement your existing collection and align with your taste preferences.
Experience the Metro Wines Difference
Whether you're seeking Quintessa or other prestigious wines, Metro Wines offers a level of service, expertise, and selection that stands apart in Asheville. Our commitment to sourcing exceptional wines, combined with our knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing, creates an unparalleled wine shopping experience.
For more information or to inquire about specific wines, contact us through our contact page, at (828) 575-9525, or visit us at 169 Charlotte Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
A friendly face will be waiting, and we always have a bottle open to taste. Let Metro Wines be your gateway to Quintessa and the world of fine wine in Asheville.