In Bond Fine Wine. 2023 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon, California, USA. Red usa-california in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 100/100 (WA). Drinking window: 2028–2050. 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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 100/100 · The Wine Palate, 2025-12-31
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a little shaking to wake up notes of fresh blackberries, kirsch, and blackcurrant jelly, followed by nuances of violets, black olives, crushed rocks, and mossy tree bark. Medium-bodied, the palate is filled with energetic black and red berry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long and e…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 98/100 · Vinous.com, 2025-11-01 · Drink 2031-2048
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as impressive as it was last year. Vertical and statuesque, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. Gravel, red cherry jam, rose petal, cedar and new leather soar from the glass. Firm tannins shape this vibrant, intensely saline Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a wine to bury deep in the cellar. Classic Spottswoode all the way.
Joe Czerwinski (JC) — 100/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 2025-10-01 · Drink 2028-2050
Spottswoode’s 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon will be offered to mailing list members in March 2026, prior to a general release in September 2026. It’s certainly a strong effort, even for this benchmark producer, featuring layers of dark, dense cassis, blackberry and blueberry fruit. The new oak component has been completely subsumed by the fruit in this medium- to full-bodied wine. Greater density and c…