2022 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

WSI96 TWI97+ The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep garnet-purple color. After as little swirling, expressive notes of blackcurrant jelly, kirsch, and juicy plums emerge from the glass, leading to touches of crushed rocks, iron ore, lavender, and cloves. The medium-bodied palate had a rock-solid backbone of firm grainy tannins and wonderful freshness supporting the densely packed black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering ferrous note.
JS96 This wine shows pretty fruit and a rather soft texture. It’s not overly full-bodied, so it’s a vintage that’s drinkable young. Aged in 65% new oak. Mild, creamy, layered tannins. Easy and gorgeous. Drink now.
VIN95 The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderfully classy, polished wine. Today, the 2022 comes across as a bit soft, but it is such a charmer. Rose petal, bright red cherry/plum fruit, cedar and mocha build nicely in the glass. This comes across as a bit quiet, but all the estate signatures are present. It’s an exquisite wine from Spottswoode.
JD95 Looking at the flagship, it’s a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, raised all in barrel. Its deep purple hue is followed by classic notes of crème de cassis, new leather, graphite, and spring flowers. This carries to a medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, layered, elegant Cabernet that will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age, which is incredibly rare for a 2022 and will evolve for two decades.
Estate Notes: Our lanky thoroughbred is getting ready to run” sums up the youngest release. It shows youthful tannins, bursting with wild strawberries, marionberries, and violets on the palate. Layers of graham cracker baking spice, cocoa powder, and toasted spice draw you in. A slight salinity ties it together.