Spottswoode Winery—2008 Estate Cabernet Accolades

accolades

2009 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet
The Wine Advocate, Antonio Galloni

Another super-impressive effort, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts stunning depth and sheer power. Black currants, pencil shavings, mocha, incense and melted road tar are all woven together gracefully in this powerful, opulent wine. The tannins remain firm, so another few years of cellaring is a must. There is serious density and sheer power to burn. Today the 2009 is a touch less vibrant than the 2010, but more overt and voluptuous. A brooding, muscular finish rounds things out beautifully. The 2009 is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034. 97 points (December, 2012)

Wine Spectator Insider, James Laube

Recommended California Cabernet, “Top Wines” list: Beautifully crafted, showing a subtle mix of dried herbs, baking spices and floral scents, with a tight core of currant and blackberry flavors. 96 points (November 15, 2012)

International Wine Cellar, Steve Tanzer

Full ruby red. Cassis, dark chocolate and violet on the lively nose. Seamless and lush in the style of the year, showing the roundness and finesse of the best Spottswoode vintages. Finishes with tooth coating sweet tannins and a complete absence of rough edges. This doesn’t show the tannic mass of the more backward and powerful 2008 but it’s suaver and has plenty of structure for a graceful evolution in bottle. 94 (May, 2012) www.wineaccess.com/tanzer

Decanter Magazine

Sumptuous, stylish oaky, blackcurrant fruit on the nose with coffee bean and nutmeg. Excellent balance and great lift. Zesty, pure, long and spicy, with no rough edges but plenty of poise and complexity on the finish. Has great ageing potential. Drink 2014-2030. 90-94 points (February 2013)

Vinography, Alder Yarrow

Tasting Notes: Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, tobacco and a hint of green herbs. In the mouth the wine is broad and expansive with mouth-coating tannins that are velvety and smooth. Rich cherry and cedar flavors mix with cocoa powder and a hint of licorice. Gorgeous acidity is welded to a cool dark earth quality that lingers through the extremely long finish. Just a touch more elegant than the 2008, with slightly better acidity, and a whisker more poise and balance. Exceptional. 14.5% alcohol. Score: around 9.5. (February, 2012) Read the complete article.

Robb Report Holiday Host’s Guide

Anyone who has forgotten what classic-style Napa Cabernet can be should sample this balanced and beautifully black composition of restrained ripeness and complex shading of tar, licorice, and patchouli. (December 2012)