Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

2000 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes

Spottswoode is a family owned winegrowing estate located on the western edge of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. The 46 acre estate, established in 1882, is distinguished by the historic Victorian home depicted on the label. Its entrance is graced by classic formal gardens, while the vineyard stretches behind to the Mayacamas Mountains.

The Spottswoode Estate was bought by Jack and Mary Novak in 1972. The first Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1982. Spottswoode also makes an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, a second Cabernet named Lydenhurst and a Rhone blend known as Field Book.

Deep purple in color. 13.5% ABV. Cherry, pencil and leather on the nose. Rich, full bodied and savory. Black currants, cassis and tobacco on the palate. There is also a hint of bell pepper that I tend to associate with the tough 2000 vintage. The finish is beautiful. Great wine from an off vintage. I have one more bottle that I will open in 2015.

My rating: 92 points.

The 2011 vintage will be released this Fall. I will order a few bottles, but at $145 per, the wine is no longer the value it was 5-7 years ago. The 2010 received 100 points from the Wine Advocate. Available at the winery via the mailing list and quite often at retail.

I blogged about Spottswoode previously in Overlooked Wines from Great Producers.

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