Spottswoode is one of the unquestionable superstars of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. For over 40 years the Novak family has farmed their grapes with the sole intention of producing the best Cabernet Sauvignon that they can, and it now rivals the best in the world! Their property is located in western St. Helena, located in the upper region of the Napa Valley. Butted against the gorgeous backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains, the vines are planted in soils that are high in gravel and clay content. This brings ripe, rich fruit flavors while naturally retaining the structure and backbone that so many other producers struggle to maintain. Spottswoode was among the first wineries to have adopted organics, having farmed their vineyard organically since 1985 and acquired California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification in 1992.
Produced in small quantities, Spottswoode is a wine that is not easy to secure. That being said, we have been loyal supporters of the Novak and Milliken families for decades, and this year we received this truly stunning wine in three sizes: regular 750mL bottles, magnum bottles, and even a double magnum!
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 100 POINTS - "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 concentration somehow come without weight, supported by silky tannins. Featuring a lovely, elegant mouthfeel and tremendous length on the finish, it should stand tall among the many legends produced at this estate."
JEB DUNNUCK 98+ POINTS - "Reminding me of the 2016, if not slightly more elegant, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is based on 88.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.2% Cabernet Franc, and 2.9% Petit Verdot and was aged 20 months in 57% new oak. Darker cassis, black cherries, new saddle leather, and flowers all define the aromatics, and it shines for its incredible complexity and depth even at this early stage. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, it has a multidimensional palate with plenty of ripe, polished tannins and outstanding length. This is another truly great example of this terroir just outside of St. Helena. It will not reach maturity for 5-7 years and should evolve for 30, 40, possibly 50 years. Drink 2030-2073."
ANTONIO GALLONI 98 POINTS - "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."
Produced in small quantities, Spottswoode is a wine that is not easy to secure. That being said, we have been loyal supporters of the Novak and Milliken families for decades, and this year we received this truly stunning wine in three sizes: regular 750mL bottles, magnum bottles, and even a double magnum!
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 100 POINTS - "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 concentration somehow come without weight, supported by silky tannins. Featuring a lovely, elegant mouthfeel and tremendous length on the finish, it should stand tall among the many legends produced at this estate."
JEB DUNNUCK 98+ POINTS - "Reminding me of the 2016, if not slightly more elegant, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is based on 88.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.2% Cabernet Franc, and 2.9% Petit Verdot and was aged 20 months in 57% new oak. Darker cassis, black cherries, new saddle leather, and flowers all define the aromatics, and it shines for its incredible complexity and depth even at this early stage. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, it has a multidimensional palate with plenty of ripe, polished tannins and outstanding length. This is another truly great example of this terroir just outside of St. Helena. It will not reach maturity for 5-7 years and should evolve for 30, 40, possibly 50 years. Drink 2030-2073."
ANTONIO GALLONI 98 POINTS - "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."
