1993 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
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Tasting notes
Made from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc, the 1993 was the beginning of a slow decline in production, as the vineyard had to be totally replanted, as the AXR1 rootstocks were not phylloxera-resistant. Production was down to 4,500 cases. This was one of the last wines of five vintages made at Rombauer Vineyards. The wine is a more monolithic style of Spottswoode, with a dark garnet/plum color, notes of subtle smoke, earth, underbrush, blackcurrants and plum. It had medium body, but lacks the complexity, nuance and overall fragrance of the top years. Nevertheless, it is a solidly constructed, chunky wine from Spottswoode that will continue to drink well for up to another 8-10 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dark crimson with some evolution. Light nose with definite ripeness then opened up in the glass to definite sweetness. Big and bold and sweet – almost alcoholic on the finish. Just a bit too much for me – sweet with a hint of tea leaf gives it some elegance but this seems big for Spottswoode! This particular wine used to be lovely apparently. (LM)
About the producer
Spottswoode is one of those rare Napa estates whose reputation rests less on volume or spectacle than on persistent exactitude. Set on the western edge of St Helena, where the Mayacamas rise and afternoon breezes temper the valley’s warmth, the vineyard occupies a favoured pocket of the appellation.