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robert parker

The Wine Advocate
December, 2010, Issue 192

This historic estate, tucked behind the town of St. Helena in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, was established in 1882, and is run by one of the grand ladies of Napa, Mary Novak, along with her daughter, Beth. These have long been very good, classic wines, but over the last 10-15 years their quality has soared into the upper echelon of the Napa hierarchy. the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a glorious perfume of spring flowers, blueberries and black currants, good acidity and serious tannins as well as concentration. It is slightly more restrained and backward than the seamless, compelling 2007, but the 2008 possesses lots of stuffing as well as elegance married with purity, power and rare equilibrium. Drink it over the next 2-3 decades. (95+ points)

Retasting the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was a treat as I believe it is the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon Spottswoode has ever produced. Wonderful aromas of black raspberries, blueberries, black currants and flowers jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged Cabernet. As I have stated before, if Château Margeaux were in Napa Valley, it would be Spottswoode. The purity, balance and delicacy of this wine are impressive. Perhaps slightly less dense and powerful than the 2008, the 2007 is flawlessly put together with nothing out of place. It, too, should age effortlessly for 20-30+ years. (99 points) Tel. (707) 963-0134