{"product_id":"spottswoode-cabernet-sauvignon-estate-2020","title":"Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2019*","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoe Czerwiniski, Robert Parker, Sept. 2022, 98P:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gorgeous 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is already drinking beautifully, with incredible waves of black cherry and cassis fruit that have completely absorbed the roughly two-thirds new oak. On this occasion, the wine came across as rather forward and supple, with lush tannins framing ample fruit on the medium to full-bodied palate. Impeccably balanced, with tremendous length on the cool, refreshing finish, it manages to showcase the warmth and generous nature of the site and vintage without going over the top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-fcyAHI hpPVPA\"\u003eThis was my first visit to Spottswoode, an impeccably manicured and historic property on the western outskirts of St. Helena that dates back to 1882. The modern-day Spottswoode story dates back to 1972, when Mary and Jack Novak moved north from Southern California and purchased the house and 30 acres of adjacent property. Fifteen adjoining acres were added the following year, and planting grapevines commenced, taking place in 1973 and 1975. Today, there are 37.5 planted acres, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the first few years, grapes were sold to other producers, but Tony Soter came on board in 1982 as the founding winemaker. He was succeeded by Pam Starr (1992–1996), Rosemary Cakebread (1997–2005) and Jen Williams (2006–2009). The winery was built in 1999; prior to that, the wines were made offsite, with vineyard management brought in-house in 2003. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 1985 and certified organic since 1992. Replanting took place in stages, with portions of the vineyard replaced in 1991, 1993, 1997 and 1998. Biodynamic principles are applied (Demeter-certified), with great attention paid to regenerative soil practices, including rotating cover crops. Along the edges of the vineyards and even embedded within are several insectariums of flowering plants, to promote biodiversity, plus nesting boxes for swallows, bluebirds and birds of prey. The first Certified B Corporation winery in Napa, Spottswoode has been recognized with the Robert Parker Green Emblem for sustainability since it was first awarded.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCurrent winemaker and vineyard manager Aron Weinkauf joined the team in 2006 and took over winemaking in 2011, so it was interesting to get his thoughts on an 11-year vertical of the estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which was presented blind by Weinkauf and Beth Novak Milliken, the winery's president and CEO. Not knowing which vintage was which made it impossible to be biased by vintage reputation, but certain wines still stood out. I found the 2013 disappointing for its closed, overly tannic nature, while Weinkauf said, \"It's always had more tannins than any other vintage. This is probably the best it's tasted in years.\" As I've tasted better bottles in the past, owners of it may want to let it sleep several more years before pulling a cork and hope that initial reviews were more accurate than this impression. The other slight disappointment was the 2017, which again seemed less richly fruited than normal and slightly green and astringent. I suspect it's simply at an awkward stage in its evolution.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn the positive side, probably most notable was the brilliant showing of the yet-to-bottled 2020 (scheduled to occur near the end of August 2022). Picking wrapped up the day before the Glass Fire started, said Weinkauf. All the 2020 vintage talk has focused on the risk of smoke taint, but this beautiful wine is the product of a fairly warm vintage, one without dramatic heat spikes. The 2011, from a cool, much-maligned vintage, showed tremendous finesse and complexity. My favorite of the bottled wines was the 2012, a gloriously seductive and complete effort that is drinking well now, and it should continue to do so for another two decades.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition, we tasted two vintages of the Sauvignon Blanc, which combines fruit from Sonoma and Napa, and the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst, which includes approximately 40% estate fruit and 60% purchased fruit, largely from growers in St. Helena, Oak Knoll and Atlas Peak. That wine was previously reviewed on November 30, 2021 (93 points), and as my impressions were largely consistent with that review, I've not bothered to repeat it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn summary, although I found more vintage variation among the estate Cabernet than my predecessor here at RPWA, I think some of that can be attributed to the format of the blind vertical tasting, which, in retrospect, seemed to emphasize the differences between the wines. I should point out that despite that, there is a strong, continuous stylistic thread woven throughout. The wines emphasize balance and elegance over sheer power and ripeness, with restrained alcohol levels, silky tannins and a complex but subtle interweaving of gentle herbal nuances with fruit that ranges from cherry and black cherry through cassis. Having participated on two occasions in the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting, where the Spottswoode wine has been presented blind in the company of 19 other world-class efforts, I will unequivocally state that Spottswoode belongs on that same stage with such international luminaries as Ornellaia, Cos d'Estournel and Cullen's Diana Madeline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntonio Galloni, Vinous October 2021 - 96P\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA bright, effusive wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is all finesse. Bright aromatics, vibrant red berry fruit and mid-weight structure give the 2019 its charming, sensual personality. I am surprised to see how open the 2019 is at this stage. I imagine it might close down a bit post-bottling, but the 2019 has superb balance to go with a real feeling of openness, at least today. Red\/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and sweet spice shape the inviting finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- x-tinymce\/html --\u003e \u003c!-- x-tinymce\/html --\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGeneral Information:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSpottswoode Estate Vineyard \u0026amp; Winery stands as one of Napa Valley's most historic and prestigious estates, with a legacy dating back to 1882. Located in St. Helena, California, the estate encompasses 40 acres of prime vineyard land at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHistorical Development\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe estate was originally established by George Schonewald in 1882 as Lyndenhurst. After changing hands several times, it received its current name from the Spotts family in 1910. The pivotal moment came in 1972 when Mary and Jack Novak purchased the property. Following Jack's passing in 1977, Mary continued their vision and established Spottswoode Winery in 1982.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eVineyard and Production\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe estate features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e37 acres under vine, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAdditional plantings of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSandy, clay, gravel, and loam soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAnnual production of approximately 5,000 cases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWinemaking Philosophy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpottswoode is renowned for:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePioneering organic viticulture in Napa Valley since 1985\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAchieving organic certification in 1992\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eProducing elegant, age-worthy wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eUsing a combination of cement vats and stainless steel tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAging Cabernet Sauvignon for 22 months in 65% new French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSignature Wines:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe winery focuses on three main wines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEstate Cabernet Sauvignon - their flagship wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSauvignon Blanc - produced since 1984\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon - a more approachable style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCurrent Leadership\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eToday, the winery remains family-owned and operated by Mary Novak's daughters, with Beth Novak Milliken serving as CEO and her sister Linda as Marketing Ambassador. The estate continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, including 100% solar power operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- x-tinymce\/html --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spottswoode","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50402284962058,"sku":"HSS1030","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"DKK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0706\/9273\/3194\/files\/spotswoodeSQ.png?v=1730712920","url":"https:\/\/carlwandel.shop\/products\/spottswoode-cabernet-sauvignon-estate-2020","provider":"Carl Wandel \u0026 Søn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}