Benchmark Wines by

Spottswoode

The Winery

Spottswoode

Established in 1882, Spottswoode is a historic, family-owned estate vineyard and winery located on the western edge of St. Helena in Napa Valley. Mary Weber Novak and her husband purchased the estate in 1972. After Jack died unexpectedly in 1977, Mary carried out their shared dream, and released Spottswoode’s first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding.

Now stewarded by second generation sisters, Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak, Spottswoode is dedicated to producing a few wines in very limited quantities: Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Lyndenhurst. The winery's goal is to produce exceptional, well-balanced, structured wines that exhibit elegance, consistency, and the ability to age well.

Among the first to introduce organic farming practices in the Napa Valley in 1985, Spottswoode has been CCOF certified since 1992. The 40-acre Spottswoode Estate Vineyard is an ideal terroir for growing wine grapes. Situated on the apex of the Sulphur Creek fan, the alluvial soils comprised primarily of sandy clay loam provide superb drainage. The gap between the Mayacamas Range and Spring Mountain admits cooling maritime breezes that temper the sun’s heat, creating an ideal microclimate for winegrowing.

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Tasting Notes

WA96
1991 marked the last vintage with Tony Soter and Mia Klein. The year was the most abundant in Spottswoode’s history, producing 5,852 cases of a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc. Interestingly, this was also one of the great early stars in the tasting, showing that high yields can (when conditions are perfect – and they were in 1991, with a long growing season with plenty of sunshine, but no real extreme heat waves). This wine still has a dense, ruby/bluish-purple color, full body, a stunning nose of black raspberry, blackcurrant, licorice and camphor. The wine has fabulous intensity, full body, sweet tannin and a long, long finish. It is easy to say this has reached full maturity, but it still has a youthfulness and vibrancy that belies that notion. Look for this to continue to drink well for another 20 years. This is a great vintage for Napa Bordeaux blends.
WS93
Wonderful balance and orchestration of flavor. Ripe, rich currant, black cherry, plum and berry flavors are vivid and well-defined. Hints of olive, cedar, sage and anise fill out a very complex and sophisticated finish.

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