No detailed notes taken. We dived into four of the 2019 Napa heavyweights. This vintage really sings a tune of density, aromatic depth, complexity, and precision, all the while maintaining a good freshness. The fruit, though ripe, doesn't quite tip into the overt ripeness we saw back in 2015. And it's structured and fresh, (but not 2013 structured), carrying its weight with grace. Given a bit more time, these wines are bound to shed their youthful exuberance, evolving into something even more compelling.
Winner was the Spottswoode (95pts) as it was the best composed and balanced wine, with the least excess and ripeness and the most earthy notes to balance the fruit. The Abreu Madrona (94pts) was a tad behind but is so wonderfully structured, with the most luxurious tannins and a incredibly high complexity that it will easily overtake the Spottswoode in a decade. The Abreu Las Posadas (92pts) is deep, highly precise, with an elegant structure but bit too exuberant today. The Bryant Bettina (91pts, from magnum) was the most weightless wine of all four but with an intensity, a ripeness and oak level that is beyond of what I would want to drink.
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This wine compared to other 2019's is a hold to drink. Still has a long way to go. Nice wine, but if you are going to drink, decant for at least 3 hours. Cheers
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Dégustation Spottswoode avec Beth Weber Novak: Superbe vin rond et plein, des tanins soyeux, équilibre exceptionnel . Hédoniste et plein, mais doux et fin. Étrange de le boire en fin de soirée (je ne l’avais pas vu passer), mais il vaut le détour. Supérieur au 2020, 2014 et 2007, un futur 2002? Superbe! 96+
Beth Novak (owner) talked about 2019 as being the perfect vintage, however I found the wine quite lean and sharp. Clearly they have changed style since the 2000's. This will need at least another decade before it softens, doubt it will ever be great.
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Spottswoode Tasting in London: I don’t understand the super high scores as this came across almost like a fruit bomb, albeit balanced and with a hint of restraint.
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3/16/2024 - Cailles wrote: 95 Points
No detailed notes taken. We dived into four of the 2019 Napa heavyweights. This vintage really sings a tune of density, aromatic depth, complexity, and precision, all the while maintaining a good freshness. The fruit, though ripe, doesn't quite tip into the overt ripeness we saw back in 2015. And it's structured and fresh, (but not 2013 structured), carrying its weight with grace. Given a bit more time, these wines are bound to shed their youthful exuberance, evolving into something even more compelling.
Winner was the Spottswoode (95pts) as it was the best composed and balanced wine, with the least excess and ripeness and the most earthy notes to balance the fruit. The Abreu Madrona (94pts) was a tad behind but is so wonderfully structured, with the most luxurious tannins and a incredibly high complexity that it will easily overtake the Spottswoode in a decade. The Abreu Las Posadas (92pts) is deep, highly precise, with an elegant structure but bit too exuberant today. The Bryant Bettina (91pts, from magnum) was the most weightless wine of all four but with an intensity, a ripeness and oak level that is beyond of what I would want to drink.
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11/22/2023 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine compared to other 2019's is a hold to drink. Still has a long way to go. Nice wine, but if you are going to drink, decant for at least 3 hours. Cheers
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10/4/2023 - d'Artagnan wrote: 96 Points
Dégustation Spottswoode avec Beth Weber Novak: Superbe vin rond et plein, des tanins soyeux, équilibre exceptionnel . Hédoniste et plein, mais doux et fin. Étrange de le boire en fin de soirée (je ne l’avais pas vu passer), mais il vaut le détour. Supérieur au 2020, 2014 et 2007, un futur 2002? Superbe! 96+
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9/23/2023 - Philip67 wrote: 92 Points
Beth Novak (owner) talked about 2019 as being the perfect vintage, however I found the wine quite lean and sharp. Clearly they have changed style since the 2000's. This will need at least another decade before it softens, doubt it will ever be great.
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9/15/2023 - Lord of the Bottles Likes this wine: 92 Points
Spottswoode Tasting in London: I don’t understand the super high scores as this came across almost like a fruit bomb, albeit balanced and with a hint of restraint.
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