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Monday, November 20, 2023 - My method for rating wines was shaped by a comment from my local wine store owner. He said, in Italy, they have a system called “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) which rates each one “IN ITS RESPECTIVE CATEGORY” (my emphasis added). While I respect the points system, too often a “wow factor” is sought by winemakers to grab the attention of critics to capture those elusive 1 or 2 extra ones. Instead, my friend said Italy is turning back to making wines that represent the best the grape can be in the region they are grown without the “gimmicks” to chase points. I liked that…a lot. When I ask my wife, guests or just myself, “What are you in the mood to drink,” I don’t hear anyone answering, “Oh, I’d like a 95-point wine.” Instead, we think about a region, or a grape, or what goes best with a meal.

So here is Spottswoode Estate Cabernet and I ask myself, have I tasted anything better from a California Cabernet and the answer is no. We’ve been to Napa twice, finding some hidden gems there (boutiques) that are fantastic, along with the more recognizable stops. Spottswoode’s Cabernet simply has the extra touches of flavors, scents and fine tuning the balance of acidity, tannins, fruit, barrel influence, etc. that make you say “I just can’t think of any way to improve upon this.” It will age superbly. It’s a perfect California Cabernet. It may have some equals (and we’ve found a couple), but none better - so far.

Enjoyed it with a seasoned dry-aged porterhouse seared in olive oil, splash of truffle oil and butter then oven-finished. Perfect pairing! Went from one rich taste to flushing with the other! At the price point, you won’t find many equals.

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