In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon, California, USA. Red usa-california in 6x75cl. Drinking window: 2026–2045. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
If Château Margaux were in Napa Valley, it would be Spottswoode” - Robert Parker Spottswoode sits in the very top tier of Napa Valley estates. Known for its combination of historic St. Helena terroir (the estate dates to 1882), organic farming since the 1980s, and a restrained style that prizes purity, finesse and ageability over sheer power. The flagship Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is widely regarded as one of Napa’s most collectible wines—regularly earning 98–100‑point scores, with Lyndenhurst made to be more approachable younger. In the market, Spottswoode occupies the same echelon as Harlan, Colgin and Schrader, but with a reputation for elegance and terroir. Precision over decadence.
Joe Czerwinski (JC) — 98/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 2024-07-03 · Drink 2027-2045
Slated for a September 2024 release, Spottswoode's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as more vibrant, floral and fresh than the 2020. Violet and cassis notes are accented by hints of crushed stone and pencil shavings on the nose. Hugely complex yet harmonious, this medium-bodied effort is firm but silky in feel, with a long, elegant finish. Lovely stuff.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 97/100 · Vinous.com, 2023-12-01 · Drink 2026-2041
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic wine off this estate. Bright and floral, with silky tannins, the 2021 is exceptionally finessed and so elegant. I can't remember another vintage like it. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2021 spent 20 months in barrel, 60-65% new, mostly French, with a touch of Hungarian wood.