2011 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
I was able to taste the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc during my visit with Spottswoode, and it shows how well these wines can age. Still lively and fresh, it has a great nose of crushed citrus, lime, green almond, and chalky mineral, with just a hint of the patina of age in its aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and vibrant, with integrated acidity, drink bottles any time over the coming 4-5 years or more.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is absolutely glorious. Lemon peel, white flowers and whole range of tropical notes are so expressive. The 2011 is deep and creamy, with terrific depth and tons of sheer character. It is in stellar shape today. Dollops of Semillon round out the blend.
(from a wide geographic range of vineyards, including Spottswoode's own estate, Krupp, Hyde, Farina and Pelkan in Knights Valley): Bright yellow. Pungent aromas of grapefruit, ripe pineapple, cassis bud, sage and botanical herbs. Dense and sappy, with terrific inner-mouth tension and mineral drive to the pineapple and grapefruit flavors. Dry, bracing, serious sauvignon with excellent length and lift. A superb vintage for this consistently excellent bottling.
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.