Spottswoode is one of Napa Valley’s great benchmark estates, and the 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be one of the greatest releases ever. The historic 45-acre vineyard sits on the western edge of St. Helena, where well-drained alluvial clay loam soils from the Sulphur Creek fan combine with cooling breezes off the Mayacamas to give the wines their signature balance of power, freshness and refinement. The estate has been farmed organically since 1985, practices biodynamic farming, and is regenerative-organic certified, with meticulous block-by-block farming that has made Spottswoode one of the most consistent Cabernet producers in Napa. The 2023 is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged for 20 months in oak with 60% new barrels. The long, cool growing season allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in a wine with tremendous concentration but none of the heaviness that can sometimes accompany Napa Cabernet these days. Fresh blackberry, cassis, and dark red fruit are layered with violets, anise, crushed stone, cocoa, and subtle savory notes, supported by fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a remarkably long, energetic finish. This is classic Spottswoode: powerful but never excessive, polished without losing its sense of place, and built to age for decades. The critical reception has been extraordinary, with some high scores for this vintage, and we have a limited number of 750s as well as some magnums today!

Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski) 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! " 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."