Hands down one of the top two or three producers in the state in terms of quality, Spottswoode once again brings us a stellar bottle from their family vineyard. I generally hate to commit the crime of opening these bottles before the third digit in the opening year is at least one greater than the one on the label, but someone’s got to do it. You can rest assured that letting this rest in your trophy cellar will serve you well, as the usual structure is here, setting up the future unleashing of elegance. It’s simply classic Napa Valley in character, not overripe or eschewing the varietal characteristics that come with proper picking time. Once again, Bravo!
Spottswoode, St. Helena (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
By Rich Cook