Another stellar effort from Spottswoode, and another worthy wine from the so-called “difficult” 2011 vintage. Cool vintages lend themselves to structured, age-worthy wines in the hands of master vintners, and this wine is a showcase for winemaker Aron Weinkauf’s skills. Deep black cherry and blackberry fruit are joined by notes of bakers chocolate, mixed dried herbs, all knit together in a complex, well-integrated package that is just starting to show its charms. Smart collectors will be all over this, and other wines from 2011 that people will laugh at in twenty years — until they open one and taste it. Bravo! Contains 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
Spottswoode, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
By Rich Cook