2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon features a very purely fruited nose of wild blueberries, crushed cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with touches of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, dried roses and eucalyptus plus a hint of espresso. Medium-bodied, the palate has a compelling grip of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of savory/earthy layers, finishing on a delicious yeasty/meaty note. 100 points (October 29, 2018)

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

Another perfect wine from this team, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a deep, concentrated, incredibly pure Cabernet with incredible crème de cassis fruits as well as complex notes of sandalwood, cedar, sappy flowers, and graphite. This puppy is still young and exuberant, with an inky purple color, yet it still has remarkable complexity. Full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced, it has sweet tannins giving it ample drinkability today yet will no doubt cruise for another 30 years. I wouldn’t put it past evolving for another 40+, and it might be one of the longest-lived wines from this estate out there. 100 points (August 23, 2021)

JancisRobinson.com, Jancis Robinson

Blackish purple. Intense, pungent, velvety. High toned and minerally but rich. Rich and spicy. Vibrant and lifted at the end. Extravagant. Dramatic. Not sweet. This is awfully good but it certainly isn’t underpriced. About 2,800 cases made. Drink 2015–2035. 19/20 points (September 23, 2014)

Vinous Media, Antonio Galloni

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Spottswoode remains remarkably primary, deep and intense, with a huge core of intense red fruit. The tannins have begun to soften, which seems to have released the aromas and flavors. Raspberry jam, mint, sweet spice and pomegranate infuse the building finish. The interplay of cool climate structure and ripeness that was pushed by three heat spikes at the end of the season resulted in an absolutely compelling and exotic Cabernet Sauvignon from Spottswoode. 97 points (December 2016)

International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer

Good bright ruby. Huckleberry, blackberry, violet and licorice on the scented nose; became increasingly floral with air–a real essence of its St. Helena site. Enters the mouth suave, silky and floral; wonderfully pliant in spite of its acid-driven energy, precision and youthfulness. The wine’s perfume and definition pique the taste buds in the middle palate and on the very long, rising finish, where the noble tannins play a supporting role without impinging. This wonderfully youthful, floral wine appears to be at the beginning of a long plane of peak drinkability. Really fills the mouth with perfume, but not at all weighty or overly fleshy. Finishes with great sappy, rising length and grip. My sample was even better after 72 hours. 96 points (May 2020)

The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, Jon Bonné
Top 100 Wines 2013

One of the most seamless Spottswoodes in years, with all the muscle of the St. Helena benchland, yet a total refinement of its fresh tannins. The deep, rich licorice and cassis are matched by fragrant bay leaf and lavender aspects, and layers that keep emerging. (December 1, 2013)

JancisRobinson.com, Julia Harding MW

Black core. Lovely dusty earth nose but just a little spirity. Rich with chocolate cherry. Thicker, sweeter tannins than the Corison Kronos. Riper tasting but still has a dark, dry texture. Concentrated and somehow darkly chewy. “The epitome of wines around St. Helena,” says Alder Yarrow. Drink 2020-2035. 17.5 points (December 2, 2013)

Decanter, Steven Brook

This mature organic estate has always delivered exceptional Cabernet, but in 2010, Beth Weber Novak excelled. This has complete ripeness, amazing purity of fruit and perfect balance. Score: 18.75 (95+) (February 2014)

Vinography, Alder Yarrow

Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of violets, cassis, and tobacco. In the mouth, gorgeous, lush black cherry and cassis flavors have supple but very muscular tannins and excellent acidity. Still quite young and somewhat tight, but lip staining and rich. Score: between 9 and 9.5 (October 2013)

Wine Spectator, James Laube

Notably rich and generous, with a complex array of dark berry, currant and cassis flavors, delivering subtle herb, spice and cedar notes and ending with a dash of loamy earth. Most impressive on the finish, which sails on and on. Best from 2014 through 2024. 93 points (October 31, 2013)