Spottswoode - St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (750ml)
Price: $249.99
| Producer | Spottswoode |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 1520 |
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Spottswoode Description
Originally established in 1882, the Spottswoode Estate has a distinguished history in Napa Valley. A decade after moving here, founder Mary Novak produced the first Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982. We have farmed our grapes organically since 1985, and our vineyard was certified organic (CCOF) in 1992. Now stewarded by second-generation sisters, Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak, our forty-two acres are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with small blocks of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Vinous: 96 Points
Spottswoode's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely gorgeous. Medium in body, translucent and super-expressive, the 2016 is sublime, not to mention on the understated side of things for the year. Dark red cherry, red plum, mocha and espresso add lovely shades of nuance. The 2016 is racy, but also clearly holding back much of its ultimate potential. I imagine the 2016 will always be a wine of finesse, first and foremost.
Wine Spectator: 96 Points
Beautifully rendered, with a focused beam of gently mulled red and black currant fruit that glides through atop a subtle but persistent loamy structure. Light tea and alder notes fill in throughout, ending with a wave of fruit that is alluringly lined with latent mineral tension.
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
Still quite dark-hued, youthful and primary, Spottswoode's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon features loads of powerful black cherries and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied and nicely structured, with a bit more of an acid edge than some vintages, which beautifully complements the ripe, supple tannins and serves to lengthen and freshen the long, licorice-tinged finish. While approachable now, it should drink well for at least another 15 years.
Wine Enthusiast: 96 Points
Cellar Selection
Blended with small percents of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this vintage marks the winery's 35th year of making this wine, the grapes all estate-grown and organically farmed. Rich and grippy, it expands to reveal expressive notes of dried herb, leather and salty stone, at first demure in black fruit, with an elegant structure and undoubtable time to age.
James Suckling: 95 Points
This blend of 85 per cent cabernet sauvignon, nine per cent cabernet franc and six per cent petit verdot has strikingly pure blackcurrant aromas and flavors. The palate has flavorful and fleshy, ripe mixed berries, cast in plush, seamlessly even tannins. Drink or hold.
