2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate continues to show how special this vintage was for the valley and is pure perfection to my palate. Ripe and sexy, with off-the-charts sexiness, it just about jumps from the glass with ample red, black, and blue fruits are interwoven with tobacco leaf, spice box, flowers, and incense-like aromas and flavors. Still youthful, it’s as seamless as they come and has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture, one stacked mid-palate, awesome tannins, and a great finish. It’s one of the most exuberant, sexy wines in the lineup, but it still shows classic Spottswoode purity, elegance, and balance. Don’t miss it! 100 points (August 23, 2021)

The Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Deep garnet colored with a lingering hint of purple, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon comes sashaying out of the glass with provocative notions of warm cassis, blueberry compote, blackberry pie and violets with chocolate box, licorice and menthol nuances plus wafts of wilted roses, lavender and kirsch. Medium-bodied, the intensely perfumed black and blue fruit flavors glide gracefully across the palate, revealing a myriad of earth and spice accents, all framed beautifully with super ripe, fine-grained tannins and invigorating freshness, finishing very, very long. Wow. 100 points (#238, August 31, 2018)

The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker

In 2007, there was another small crop with only 1,700+ cases produced, from a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. An absolutely staggering nose of blueberries, white flowers, crème de cassis, licorice and graphite is followed by a full-bodied, opulent, multidimensional wine that is seamless. Incredible fruit intensity, purity and depth of character make this one of the great, great classics in the Spottswoode lineup. This wine can be approached now, but it is nowhere near full maturity, and should evolve for at least another 30–40+ years. Owners of this vintage have liquid gold in their cellars. 99 points (#226, August 31, 2016)

The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, Jon Bonné
Top 100 Wines 2010

This might be the best Spottswoode yet – and one of the best Napa Cabernets I’ve ever tasted. Winemaker Jennifer Williams found a perfect harmony of flavor, from spicy accents of soft paprika, coffee and cedar to the mineral edge in its silken texture and the endlessly rich, plummy flavors. It’s a supremely graceful and powerful Cabernet. (December 5, 2010)

The San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Bonné

There’s an intangible sensation when you taste a wine that seems destined for greatness. It’s not merely perfect balance or complexity; there’s a gestalt that takes over, like a Bat-Signal for deliciousness. That’s what happened on my first encounter with Spottswoode’s remarkable 2007. Its opulent profile had just the right accents: soft paprika scents; cedar shaving; a coffee hint at the end. But it was more the sense of grace; every flavor, every aroma fell precisely into place. (December 20, 2009).

Wine Spectator, James Laube

Smooth, rich and understated, offering a subtle mix of ripe, full-bodied currant, blackberry and wild berry flavors that are deftly balanced, with a dash of cedary dill-laced oak. Slow to unfold, but in doing so offers great depth, concentration and complexity. Best from 2012 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 95 points (October 31, 2010)

Decanter.com, California Cabernet 2007 Panel Tasting

Strawberries and cream, cinnamon, blackcurrant, stylish oak, mint and dark chocolate bouquet. Sleek and refined with excellent balance and ripe, delicious fruit with intensity and drive. Length has plenty of spice. 17.5pts/20 (February 18, 2011)

International Wine Cellar, Steve Tanzer

Good bright ruby-red. Vibrant aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and violet, lifted by a minty note. Sweet, dense and minerally, conveying a sense of power as well as a distinctly light touch. Captivating dark fruit flavors really saturate the palate. This has a terrific backbone for aging. Accoring to winemaker Jennifer Williams, the cool, dry spring of 2007 limited canopy growth through June, resulting in a moderate crop size. 91-94 points (May/June 2009)