2011 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc

Vinous, Antonio Galloni

The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is absolutely glorious. Lemon peel, white flowers and whole range of tropical notes are so expressive. The 2011 is deep and creamy, with terrific depth and tons of sheer character. It is in stellar shape today. Dollops of Semillon round out the blend. 94 points (May 17, 2022)

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

I was able to taste the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc during my visit with Spottswoode, and it shows how well these wines can age. Still lively and fresh, it has a great nose of crushed citrus, lime, green almond, and chalky mineral, with just a hint of the patina of age in its aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and vibrant, with integrated acidity, drink bottles any time over the coming 4–5 years or more. 94 points: These wines are outstanding for their type and are worth the extra effort to seeking out. (May 4, 2022)

The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, Top 100 Wines 2012, Jon Bonné

While this St. Helena estate’s current 2009 Cabernet is beautiful, its benchmark work with white grapes deserves attention, especially in a cold year that could, like 1998, turn out to be a beautiful vintage for white wines. Bay-leaf aromas reveal the cold year, but the perfumed fig and dense citrus peel, and a mastery of texture, show just how much winemaker Aron Weinkauf takes this seriously. Simultaneously luscious and nervy. A pinnacle for California. (December 2, 2012)

Vinography, Alder Yarrow

Tasting Notes: A blend of 61% Sauvignon Blanc, 36% Sauvignon Musque, and 3% Semillion, this wine has a light greenish gold hue in the glass. It smells of kiwi and green apple with a whiff of fresh bright wet stone. In the mouth, green apple and wet stone flavors zip around on the back of excellent acidity, and linger with a hint of yeasty woodiness in the finish. 14.1% alcohol. Score: around 9. (February 2012) Read the complete article.

International Wine Cellar, Steve Tanzer

(from a wide geographic range of vineyards, including Spottswoode’s own estate, Krupp, Hyde, Farina and Pelkan in Knights Valley): Bright yellow. Pungent aromas of grapefruit, ripe pineapple, cassis bud, sage and botanical herbs. Dense and sappy, with terrific inner-mouth tension and mineral drive to the pineapple and grapefruit flavors. Dry, bracing, serious sauvignon with excellent length and lift. A superb vintage for this consistently excellent bottling. 92 points (May/June 2013).