"Ein wunderschön gemachter Wein, der anmutig altern sollte" (James Molesworth)
Am westlichen Rand von St. Helena im Napa Valley gelegen, ist das Terroir des Spottswoode Estate ideal für den Weinanbau. Der lehmhaltige Schwemmlandfächer des Sulphur Creek sorgt für eine hervorragende Drainage, während kühle Meeresbrisen, die zwischen dem Spring Mountain und dem Mayacamas-Gebirge wehen, eine gleichmäßige Reifung der Früchte ermöglichen. Bei Spottswoode sind Traubenanbau und Weinherstellung eng miteinander verbunden. Neben der Gesundheit und Widerstandsfähigkeit, die der biologische und biodynamische Anbau unserem Weinberg gebracht hat, trägt die individuelle Betreuung jedes Blocks zur gleichbleibenden Qualität und den einzigartigen Eigenschaften der Weine bei.
Jeb Dunnuck im Januar 2021:
One of the wines of the vintage, as well as a legendary Napa Cabernet that will compete with anything out there, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate reveals a deep purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of pure crème de cassis and blackberry-scented fruits intermixed with lots tobacco leaf, lead pencil, spice, and hints of flowers. Reminding me of the 2016 with its purity as well as its balance, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, and a blockbuster of a finish. Based on 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, this is a wine you don’t want to miss! It’s going to take 7-8 years to hit its early drinking plateau and cruise for 30-40 years in cold cellars.
Verkostungsnotiz von Joe Czerwinski für den Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 im September 2022:
Clearly a stupendous effort but just far too young at this stage, Spottswoode's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a concentrated, velvety core of black cherries, cassis and dusty loam, then supports it with hints of cedar and toasted oak. It's full-bodied, rich and youthfully intense, with a long, compelling finish that just won't quit. Give it a few more years, and it may indeed reach the perfection my predecessor predicted for it.
James Suckling schreibt im Januar 2021:
This has a polished nose of black cherry, blueberry pie, vanilla and crushed gravel. Evolves to charred wood and dried lavender. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. There’s freshness to the finish with hints of blackcurrant leaf. Structured and still tight. Try from 2023.
Und für den Wine Spectator meint James Molesworth im Oktober 2021:
Very pure, with a piercing edge to its racy cassis, plum and blackberry coulis flavors, this moves along authoritatively while staying relatively light on its feet, with violet, savory and iron threads lining the mouthwatering finish. Beautifully rendered wine that should age gracefully. Best from 2022 through 2040. 4,278 cases made.
Jeb Dunnuck