Spottswoode Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Pure black currants on the nose with an incredible al dente grape character. It’s almost like grape must. Undertone of ink and violets and sandalwood. Perfumed. Hints of spearmint. Full-bodied, but so well-formed and reserved. A touch of mint on the palate with dark fruits. It is very complete and reminds me of the classy Spottswoode 2001. I keep being impressed with the purity of fruit with the earthy undertones and stones. Savory. A fitting 40th anniversary wine. 90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, and 3% petit verdot. Best after 2027. 99pts Suckling 

Celebrating a milestone of 40 vintages, this winery has been guided by CEO Beth Novak since 1987. Its historic 42-acre estate vineyard has been farmed organically since 1985 and is now certified biodynamic and regenerative organic; Spottswoode is also a member of B Corp and the International Wineries for Climate Action’s Gold level. With a small addition of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this Cab aged 20 months in barrel offers a velvet-lined entry of blue fruit that promptly seduces the palate. Soothing notes of dark chocolate-violet ganache and quince contribute further impact, strengthened by an elegant backbone. 99pts Tasting Panel 

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. 98+pts Parker’s WA 

Moving to the Grand Vin, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep, dense purple color as well as a primordial nose of ripe black fruits, cassis, camphor, scorched earth, violet, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Reminding me of a young Leoville Las Cases with its closed, dense, structured style, it’s concentrated, has a pure, layered, focused style, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It needs 5-7 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30+ years. The blend of the 2021 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. 98+ JD