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. Brooding nose of red and black fruits, cedar, leather and pencil shavings. Big, powerful and concentrated. No telltale signs of a 17 year old wine. Currants, cassis and plums on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with a healthy dose of coarse tannins. Great Cabernet Sauvignon and more reminiscent of an old school style along the lines of Dunn and Montelena. I think I will wait on my last bottle until it reaches 20 year of age.
My rating: 94 points.
I blogged about Spottswoode previously in Overlooked Wines from Great Producers.