Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Spottswoode
Ripe, expressive, plummy fruit with hints of raspberry, ripe dark cherries, dried blueberries and licorice-all trademark flavors of the Spottswoode Vineyard-expands on the palate to toasty oak notes, dark and seductive, with sweet creamy caramel culminating into a beautiful, long finish. The tannin is supple, suave and charming, making the wine wonderful now while promising a long life ahead!
Wine Enthusiast
Tasted in a big lineup of St. Helena Cabernets, Spottswoode's magnificent '05 stood out. It's a massive powerhouse, explosive in black currant, cherry pie, plum, chocolate, anise and cedar flavors that are detailed and precise. However, the wine, which was blended with a little Cabernet Franc, is graceful and balanced. Drinkable now due to its softly refined tannins, but has the integrity to ride out the years. Easy to find, with 3,896 cases produced.
Score: 97.
—Steve Heimoff,
April
01,
2009.
Wine Advocate
The utterly profound 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) will benefit from several years of bottle age, and should keep for 25-30 years. This extraordinary effort exhibits notes of blueberries, cassis, spring flowers, licorice, and forest floor. Beautifully pure and full-bodied with excellent overall harmony as well as superb purity, it reveals a Chateau Margaux-like personality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030.
Score: 96.
—Robert Parker,
December
2008.
International Wine Cellar
($130) Good full ruby-red. Expressive nose offers cassis, minerals, violet and brown spices. Suave on entry, then supple, sweet and seamless in the middle, without any impression of weight. This boasts lovely inner-mouth energy and lift. The sweet tannins arrive late, allowing the dark fruit and floral flavors to expand in the mouth. A highly successful vintage for this wine.
Score: 93.
—Stephen Tanzer,
May
2008.
Wine Spectator
Tight and well-structured, with a firm, compact, dense mix of spicy currant, black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that's pure and focused, revealing more subtle flavor nuances as this unfolds, along with depth and complexity. Best from 2010 through 2017. 4,290 cases made.
Score: 93.
—James Laube,
November
15,
2008.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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