2020 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

Community Tasting Note

Alexander Smith Likes this wine:

95 Points

Friday, February 24, 2023 - Premiere Napa Valley; 2/22/2023-3/25/2023 (Napa, California): Brief tasting at Spottswoode, this being poured by Tony Soter, which felt pretty special. The grapes were picked the day before the Glass Fire and so no fire taint would be in this wine. Aromas of Dark blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry, tree bark, black pepper and cacao. The palate was medium-full bodied super well integrated with dark fresh tree fruit, plenty of stuffing in the mid-palate with an elegant yet firm structure, dusty tannins along with a long lingering finish. This is an incredibly strong vintage for Spottswoode and I am hoping to revisit this later in the year.

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8 comments have been posted

Comment posted by bsumoba:

3/3/2023 9:24:00 AM - Wow, you've been really hitting the Napa scene and trying them 20s. Next Teusday, we are trying 20 Macdonald and VHR but that's largely all I will be seeking in the 20 vintage. I'm glad to see that the wines are doing better than I would have expected given the conditions of the 20 vintage: multiple heat spikes, smoke blocked sun, early than normal picking, etc.
Comment posted by Alexander Smith:

3/3/2023 1:01:00 PM - Nice re VHR and McDonald, will be interesting to hear your thoughts on VHR! Yes the 2020s are better than what certain critics are saying. For sure this is not a 2018 or 2019 vintage, but better than 2017. I will buy for sure: Dalla Valle and Spottswoode. VHR I will probably skip just because I don't have access in Quebec. Dominus is a hard pass.
Comment posted by bsumoba:

3/3/2023 1:24:00 PM - Better than 17? Interesting. I too, did not buy much 17. The only fine wine I bought in 17 was Dominus and VHR. I will post TNs on my trip. Also visiting 001. You should look into this. Winemaker is Graeme.
Comment posted by Alexander Smith:

3/3/2023 2:10:00 PM - I have not heard of 001 before...I tried google but it came up blank, do you have any more details?
Comment posted by bsumoba:

3/3/2023 2:15:00 PM - www 001vintners dot com
Comment posted by Alexander Smith:

3/3/2023 2:22:00 PM - Thanks!
Comment posted by bsumoba:

3/3/2023 2:25:00 PM - check your message board to for another wine to look into...

I'm pulling 2016 Spottswoode tomorrow, FYI. Supposedly the style was referenced or mentioned for the 001 wine. I'll find out more when we see Jack on Tuesday.
Comment posted by Alexander Smith:

3/3/2023 3:01:00 PM - Awesome! Make sure you give the 2016 plenty of air