2010 Spottswoode, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Saint Helena, Napa Valley.
The new and young winemaking team at Spottswoode have settled in nicely and hats off to them, this 2010 Cabernet is dynamite with layered elegance and keeping the soul of the estate firmly in the frame. Without a doubt this still is one of the great Napa wines, I always find it more graceful, like the cliche, the Chateau Margaux of Napa Valley, well when a moniker works… The 2010 Spottswoode is a gorgeous wine with deep Cabernet flavors, there is a hint of floral, pencil lead and creme de cassis that leads off then the palate kicks in with plenty of dark fruit, mineral, cedar and sweet tobacco, finishing long and lingering well over 60 seconds, this is very impressive wine. Most Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Petit Verdot, the Spottswoode Estate is truly lovely and detailed with a mouthful of blackberry, currant, black cherry and plum fruits that are both dense and rich, but still balanced and lifted, this is a candidate for medium term cellaring, drink 2014-2028.
($145+ Est.) 95 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com ($139)