November 24, 2023 - from Magnum
very clean, linear, pure.a gorgeous and classical showing. I can now see the hype.
November 15, 2023 - Nose: Cherry, blackberry, graphite, thyme. A bit of sweet red berry note, and spice. Palate: Such an elegant entry with dark red cherry, blackberry, violets and sandalwood. Reveals, mint, tea and sage as it grows in glass. Finish: So much detail and nuance. Herb de provence, cherry, cassis and spices.
There is CA sunshine on the fruit, and a balanced purity that is incredible. This was one of the stars of the tasting. Remains my favorite Spottswoode of the 90's
July 28, 2022 - "Guy's Night": Aged Napa (Joe & Khem's Place, Mpls): Very dark red color with a 2mm clear edge. PNP, drank a glass plus over 2 hours.. Flighted with a '97 Araujo Eisele Vineyard. This started out a bit introverted and it slowly came forth. Cassis, black cherry, smoke, damp earth, pencil and menthol. The palate is full bodied, cassis, dried wood spices, blaclberry, dried berries, dense with minerals and round tannins.
July 28, 2022 - Guys Night Out - California Dreaming! (Joe's House): PnP - This was another great example of aged Ca Cabs, and living up to their potential! Nose was slightly perfumed and showed dark fruit with graphite, tar, and hints of bramble and cedar. Palate was smooth with tannins resolved and enough acidity to bring out the fruit. I would say this wine is peaking for me, as there was a nice balance between fruit and tertiary flavors. Red fruit (dark cherries) and dark fruit (plum and cassis) dominated the fruit spectrum, while bramble, tar, mint, cigar box and tobacco dominated the tertiary flavors, along with some spice on the finish. A lovely wine! 94 to 95 points and tied for #4 for me.
July 28, 2022 - Guys night - Napa (Joe's house): Pop and pour, so this took a couple hours to resolve. What impressed me about this wine is the lively light profile while still showing its cabernet character. Red fruit and beef blood, with flowers, mint and cedar. Not naming names, but I note that this is the 3rd time I've had this wine and it was never decanted.
September 24, 2021 - Delivers classic, old school Napa fruit that is plummy with earth, tobacco and minty herbs. Medium concentration in this vintage and fully mature as the suave tannin is melted into the fruit.
August 8, 2021 - Nose: lavender, dark ripe currant, black cherry and plum. Herbes de Provence and a nice sage component. Ripe, but not close to over done. Palate: intense floral and cherry notes with cedar and sage. Elegant at this point with plum supported by a plummy base note. Finish: Dark and poised. A bit behind the 91 on the finish, but a stunner nonetheless.
This just never fails to deliver for me. An awesome wine from historic St. Helena vineyards.
August 8, 2021 - To me this is just about perfection. See similar notes below
August 7, 2021 - Stunningly spectacular Spottswoode. Just sexy and elegant with subtle notes of Napa and very rounded feminine edges. Long finish! Wonderful!
November 26, 2020 - Thanksgiving. Slightly flawed. Still hot even at 95