Spottswoode Winery—2001 Estate Cabernet Accolades

accolades

2001 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet
The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker

A blue/purple color accompanies a gorgeous perfume of crushed rocks intermixed with blueberries and black currents as well as subtle touches of toasty oak and white chocolate. A classic example of power allied with elegance, it possesses undeniable finesse yet tremendous flavor intensity without being heavy. This beauty is one of the most provocative and intense efforts of the vintage, yet it is strikingly delicate for its concentrated personality. Give it 2–3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 14–15 years. 95 Points (December, 2003)

Barrel Sample: The saturated blue/purple-colored 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a wonderfully sweet perfume of blackberries, cassis, licorice, and smoke as well as great intensity, opulence, and richness, beautifully integrated acidity and tannin, and a long, stunning finish that lasts more than 25 seconds. This is the core blend of 94% cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc aged in 68% new oak. It should prove to be a stunning wine in keeping with what the finest producers have achieved in this incomparable vintage for North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. 91–94 Points (August, 2002)

Wine Spectator, James Laube

This fleshy wine exhibits rich currant, game, herb and cedary notes. Well-focused, plush and complex, the flavors are elegant and graceful through the finish. Nonetheless, it leaves you hoping for a shade more depth and concentration. Best from 2005 through 2012. 4,932 cases made. 90 Points (November, 2004)

Barrel Sample: A tremendous wine, elegant and sophisticated, with rich, juicy currant, floral, blackberry and cherry flavors. Beautifully focused, with a supple texture and a lingering finish, revealing a tapestry of flavors and textures. 95–100 Points (Web, 2002)

International Wine Cellar, Steve Tanzer

Deep ruby-red. Vibrant, high-pitched aromas of boysenberry, cassis, violet and sweet, chocolatey oak…offers a captivating combination of berry, spice and floral flavors. Very stylish, firmly tannic wine with the intensity and structure for 15 years or more of development in bottle. 93 Points (May/June, 2004)

Barrel Sample: Good full red-ruby. Deep, vinous aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, chocolate and roast coffee. Sweeter, lusher and creamier than the 2000, with intriguing mineral and dark chocolate notes. A more pliant style, but lively, subtle and firm. Finishes with big, dusty, broad tannins that reach the teeth and excellent chocolatey length. A strong vintage for this wine. 91–94 Points (May/June, 2003)
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