Cantina Kaltern Quintessence Cabernet Reserva 2018 (WA 94)

Wine Advocate 94 points.
The Cantina Kaltern 2018 Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva Quintessenz comes out with gangbuster intensity, showing shapely tones of dark fruit, mature blackberry and dark plum. After 18 months in barrique (with 50% new barrels), the wine is nicely enhanced with oak spice that comes across with subtle layers of toast and smoke; however, the wood regime is never overdone. In fact, the cool-climate freshness associated with mountain wines is what gives this hearty red that extra kick of energy to enjoy with a well-marbled steak on the grill. This was a release of about 8,000 bottles.ML Sep 2021.