Today’s tasting note. I am trying to be more active and write notes, as I suck at it and realize the only way to get better is repetition and effort. Highly recommended wine.
2002 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate- USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (5/16/2014)
Really enjoyed this bottle of wine. Only a slight lack of more expression on the nose kept me from rating it higher. At first sniff, I thought perhaps I was going to be disappointed, but wow, once in the mouth I realized this was a truly great wine. Very rich, with sweet tannins that are nicely integrated into the wine. This has a very long life ahead of it, but it is a wonderful drink right now. Best of all, it is from a producer that you really enjoy supporting. I would like to keep a bottle to see old age, but will probably succumb and drink through my stash far too soon. (97 pts.)
My favorite Spottswoode of all. I have never had a bad bottle and, like you, I am trying to figure out a reason not to have my last bottle sooner than later.
Only had it once, about 18 months ago, but I thought this was one of the best cabs I’ve ever had. The bouquet on my bottle was simply captivating, so I’m sorry to hear yours was less expressive. Clearly, the rest of the package delivered though.
Thanks for the note Jim, well done. I love the Spottswoode style, but have only one bottle of the 2002, so deciding when to drink it will be a challenge, as after reading your note I am inclined to maybe open it tonight!
One of the things I enjoy most about Spottswoode wines is that the family that owns the winery are some of the nicest people you will meet anywhere. They are delightful folks who make you want to support their wines. The pricing has always been very fair, and now, compared to the new wines with no track record that come out of the box at $250 - 300, their prices are a outright bargain.
