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19/20
Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Saint Helena, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 35th vintage at Spottswoode was perfect. I love that the strategy is always to honour the vintage, and I can honestly say after tasting this wine, it is mission accomplished. A lot is done to mitigate the expected warmth and probable early harvest. Despite the heat spikes, the year finished cool, and it is evident by the aromatics that jump from the glass. The issue with Napa is there is always power, but many wines lack the energy or electricity to sing. It is not the case here. It is one of the best-balanced wines I have had from Napa in years and the kind of wine that inspires me to return to the region to follow up on other producers. My guess is this is more Spotteswood than Napa. Still, exceptional wines can be made with elegance and charm, focusing on fresher fruit, plenty of umami or deliciousness and the uncanny balance that makes this wine so appealing. The tannins are amazingly silky, indeed perfectly handled. Drink now, or in a decade or two, which in itself tells you all you need to know about this wine. The vineyard is organically farmed and has been since 1985. It is aged 20 months in French oak barrels, of which 60% are new. The blend is 85/9/6 cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/petit verdot.Tasted: 24 November 2019Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $278.99 | 750ml | private wine shops |
| BC | $129.99 | 375ml | private wine shops |
Grape: Cabernet SauvignonCSPC: 109439UPC: 00626990059752
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