accolades

2006 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet
The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker

Two exquisite Cabernet Sauvignons that are among the most profound made in Napa Valley, both are candidates for Cabernet Sauvignon of their respective vintages. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has taken on much greater complexity and intensity since I tasted it right after bottling, is largely all Cabernet Sauvignon with just a small amount of Cabernet Franc in the blend. The owner’s daughter, Beth Novak, and her assistants, Rosemary Cakebread and Jennifer Williams, made an intelligent decision in bottling this wine later than normal to resolve some of the tannin issues, and they have certainly succeeded. This wine, which I believe will evolve for 25 or more years has a gorgeous nose of violets, black currants, licorice, camphor, and a hit of graphite. Layered, rich, and full-bodied, the wine has an opaque purple color as well as wonderful purity and balance. It could be considered the wine world’s version of haute couture at a top address in Paris. It’s a beauty, perfectly balanced and as flawless and seamless as a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa can be. Drink it over the next 25 years. 95 points (December, 2009)

The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, Top 100 Wines 2009, Jon Bonné

Spottswoode’s timeless potential continues to show itself. Blue fruit and musk appear at first, and the fine, forceful tannins reveal how young this latest release really is. But it adds racy blueberry and a beefy, raw, sanguine edge that signal its ability to mature beautifully. (December 6, 2009)