Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Spottswoode, one of Napa Valley’s premier wine estates, is celebrated for its consistently exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a continuation of their long tradition of crafting world-class, organic wines that express the essence of the vineyard’s unique terroir. Spottswoode has been family-owned since 1972, and their vineyards, located in St. Helena, are renowned for producing Cabernet Sauvignon that is elegant, structured, and age-worthy. The 2020 vintage, though marked by challenges including wildfires, still reflects the estate's meticulous vineyard management and winemaking expertise, delivering a wine of remarkable purity and finesse.

The 2020 vintage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, was aged in French oak barrels for about 20 months. The result is a wine that balances richness with restraint, offering complexity, freshness, and depth typical of Spottswoode’s iconic Cabernet.

Appearance: Deep garnet with a vibrant ruby edge, showing its youthful intensity and concentration.

Aroma: The nose is expressive and layered, offering aromas of blackcurrants, ripe plums, and black cherries, intertwined with floral notes of violets and a touch of graphite. Subtle hints of cedar, tobacco leaf, and dark cocoa add complexity, alongside a whisper of fresh herbs.

Taste: Full-bodied yet finely balanced, with silky tannins and lively acidity. Flavours of blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries dominate, with supporting notes of espresso, black tea, and dark chocolate. The oak influence is present but well-integrated, contributing nuances of spice and vanilla, without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Long and polished, with lingering dark fruit, a touch of minerality, and fine-grained tannins that promise excellent ageing potential. The finish showcases a perfect blend of fruit, earth, and subtle oak, with a clean, refreshing edge.

Food Pairing: Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 pairs perfectly with rich, flavourful dishes. It shines alongside grilled lamb chops, where the wine’s tannins and black fruit complement the savoury, charred meat. Another great match would be braised short ribs, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, while its earthy, dark fruit flavours enhance the meat’s deep, slow-cooked complexity. It also pairs beautifully with hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano, adding a touch of elegance to a simple cheese course.