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estate cabernet sauvignon

2010 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Above average rainfall led into a long cool growing season that had many winemakers worried, wondering when the typical Napa Valley summer heat pattern would settle in. Finally, at the end of August, several heat spikes materialized—perhaps more than one might have asked for! In spite of this, at Spottswoode we had cultivated healthy canopies that protected the fruit from the sun’s damaging rays, and our grapes achieved a healthy ripeness with mature seeds and readily-extractable color and tannins. We picked our Estate fruit before relatively heavy rains arrived in October. Keeping us on our toes, Mother Nature then delivered a severe frost in late November. All in all, the year was a bit tumultuous weather-wise, yet we are extremely pleased with the 2010.

A bright ruby color invites you into black cherry aromas and flavors. The nose opens to blackberry, vanilla, dried leaves, toasted cedar, and a hint of graphite, and broadens to include strawberry, cassis and dark chocolate. The palate exudes young raw fruit, like a delicious berry compote. Surprisingly unctuous for this cool year with an attractive high-toned quality. Plush, structured tannins, great density and layers, a deep fruit core. Deftly balanced. A lovely integration of power and finesse.