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.
Dark crimson in color. 14.1% ABV. The cork literally disintegrated as I tried to remove it from the bottle. Parts of the cork were stuck to the glass in the neck of the bottle. I’ve never seen anything quite like that. Nonetheless, beautiful nose of black and blue fruits, creme de cassis, graphite and wet leaves. Rich, full bodied and creamy. Incredibly opulent. Black currants, cassis liqueur, spiced plums and tobacco leaves on the palate. Excpetional length on the finish with ever so silky tannins. This has always been one of my favorite vintages of Spottswoode and it is hard to ask for much more after this much time in the bottle. I will open my last bottle in 2027.
My rating: 97 points.
The 2021 version of Spottswoode is currently available for around $275 per bottle. I stopped buying this wine many years ago.
I blogged about Spottswoode previously in Overlooked Wines from Great Producers.
This is a long time favorite,but I also stopped buying years ago as the price rapidly escalated. Still have lots in the cellar beginning with the outstanding’93.
Agreed. Love the wine but it is hard to justify the price. Although given Napa Cab pricing I do feel like they have earned the right to get that price (as opposed to some of the newcomers).