2020 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

I always love the white from this team, and their 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is bright and racy, with lots of lime, white grapefruit, and chalky mineral notes in a medium-bodied, crisp, pure, beautifully balanced package. It will keep for 10–15 years if you’re so inclined. 93 points (May 4, 2022)

RobbReport.com, Sara Schneider

The latest Sauvignon from Spottswoode, releasing June 1, 2021, confirms the wine’s reputation as one of the great versions of the variety worldwide. But winemaker and vineyard manager Aron Weinkauf has his work cut out for him keeping track of all of his fermenting vessels, with 43 percent of the vintage in stainless steel barrels, 41 percent in French oak barrels, 5 percent in Austrian oak barrels, 2 percent in Hungarian oak barrels, 6 percent in concrete cuves and 3 percent in clay amphora. The aromas mingle florals, fruit and minerals, with grapefruit and lemongrass emerging. Bright stone fruit—apricot and peach—pops on the palate, leading to a gamut of citrus, from lemon zest to clementine, edged in savory crushed herbs. Texture and energy combine to create focus out of complexity. (April 26, 2021)

Into Wine, Michael Cervin

Spottswoode is a rarity, a winery that only makes only two wines, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc. They stick to what they do best and they do it exceeding well. What they excel at is classic sauv blanc. Acidity, lemon-lime, white peach, gooseberry, guava, freshness, crisp and focused – this is a wine that hits on all cylinders. It’s comprised of sauvignon blanc with 3% sémillon added in. Using a blend of stainless steel fermentation, French oak barrels, amphora and ceramic and concrete oval ‘eggs’ the result is a dynamic wine in both taste and palate weight. Once again Spottswoode has released a beautiful sauvignon blanc, iconic in its own right, and one that never deviates from its core of ideal fruit fused with focused winemaking. 92 points (July 15, 2021)

Vinography, Alder Yarrow

Palest gold in color, this wine smells of green apple, gooseberries, and lemon cucumber. In the mouth, wonderfully bright green apple and kiwi flavors have a nice faint saline kick to them that adds to the mouthwatering effects of this wine. Crisp and lean and bright and beautifully textured. A blend of 40% Napa County fruit and 60% Sonoma County Fruit. 13.8% alcohol. About 9 out of 10 points (July 2021)

The Press Democrat, Peg Melnik

A citrusy sauvignon blanc with aromas of grapefruit, lime and lemon zest that follow through to the palate. It also has a kiss of vanilla. The balanced wine is buoyed by crisp acidity. Striking. 4.5 stars (August 18, 2021)

Wine.com, Wilfred Wong

The Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc always performs at a high level, and the 2020 vintage once again shows why this wine is so outstanding. This wine shines with aromas and flavors of dried earth, melon rind, attractive spices, and a note of citrus. A slight suggestion of oak on the palate ties everything together nicely. Pair it with linguine and clams, subtle garlic and wine reduction sauce, and an afternoon in the backyard with a few friends. 95 points (June 2021)

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