Benchmark Wine Cellar
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate 2011 3L
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.
Summary
The Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate 2011 is a remarkable wine from a historic estate established in 1882, now female-led and certified organic since 1992. This vintage, characterized by cooler conditions, yields a classically structured Cabernet with an elegant balance of floral notes, cherry, and herbal undertones. The palate showcases dark fruits, mint, and subtle cocoa, supported by firm yet silky tannins. Aged in French oak for approximately 18-20 months, this full-bodied wine offers a complex profile with hints of cedar and sweet tobacco, ensuring a long and rewarding finish. Composed of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, it is built for longevity.
Tasting Notes
- V96
- What a pleasant surprise it is to revisit the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. Floral notes, gravel, herbs, rose petal and sweet red cherries infuse a classically-built, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with real class and personality. The tannins need time to soften, but otherwise this is an exceptional, and I do mean, exceptional, wine.
- JS95
- A solid Spottswoode with mint, currants, berries and flowers. Sweet tobacco and rose petals. Full body with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Tangy, energetic and lively. A wine with form, tension and beauty. This is classic California. 89% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.
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