2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet colored and opens with a nose that is just begging to be drunk, featuring warm cassis, charcuterie, molten chocolate, wild mushrooms and roasted nuts with nuances of cigar box, incense and menthol. Medium-bodied, the palate reveals beautiful intensity and depth, sporting very fine-grained, exquisitely ripe tannins and finishing with plenty of savory layers and a peppery kick. 99 points (October 29, 2018)

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, like many 2013s, is still dense, concentrated, and powerful, with an almost gangly style that needs another 5-7 years of bottle age (I wouldn’t turn down a bottle today). Lots of ripe black fruits, cassis, chocolate, and graphite as well as a hint of mint define the nose, and it’s full-bodied, with a stacked mid-palate, building yet sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s loaded with potential but needs bottle age. 98+ points (August 23, 2021)

Wine Enthusiast, Virginie Boone

This remarkable wine from the famed family-farmed, organic estate impresses immediately in its depth of concentration and stately grace, imparting a wealth of rose-garden compost and wild truffle on the nose. Within the vibrant range of sensual flavor is salted caramel, black cherry and chocolate, alongside a twist of saddle and campfire coffee. Its grip of focused tannin suggests years of aging potential; enjoy best from 2023 to 2033. 98 points (December 2017)

JamesSuckling.com, James Suckling

Glorious blueberries, blackberries, violets, and hot stones. Cloves and other spices. Even sliced mushrooms. Full body, very firm tannins, and a persistent and savory finish. A tight and polished young cabernet. 98 points (The Top 100 Wines of 2016, October 20, 2016)

JancisRobinson.com, Elaine Chukan Brown

Notes of blackcurrant with blossom and a stony freshness. Pretty and succulent while still firm and nuanced, and taut currently. The structure promises good ageing potential and nice development with time in bottle. Persistent, fine tannins and balancing acidity. Fine balance and mouthfeel. Drink 2020–2035. 18+/20 Points (Standout Wines, September 14, 2016)

JancisRobinson.com, Jancis Robinson

Healthy crimson. Very subtle nose. Hint of balsamic. Extremely savoury and lifted – no chocolate, no toast. I like the fresh inky quality on the end. Long, confident and rewarding. Seriously proper wine with potential. You could drink this now but it would be a shame. So long! 18/20 points (November 7, 2016)

Vinous Media, Antonio Galloni

A truly monumental wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is simply magnificent. A huge, energetic wine, the 2013 exudes richness, concentration and depth. Cool, mineral and savory notes meld into a core of intense dark fruit in a vertical, towering Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with superb purity and depth. This is the best showing yet from the 2013. 98+ points (December 2016)

Decanter, William Kelley

Nuances of clove, tar and graphite marry with aromas of crunchy dark fruit, introducing a firmly structured and intensely concentrated wine that displays striking cut and energy. This is one of the best young Spottswoodes of recent time, and one of the most vibrant, primary benchland Cabernet Sauvignons of the vintage – it’s also likely to be one of the most long-lived. 97 points (September 2016)