Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Spottswoode

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (98)

Slated for a September 2024 release, Spottswoode's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as more vibrant, floral and fresh than the 2020. Violet and cassis notes are accented by hints of crushed stone and pencil shavings on the nose. Hugely complex yet harmonious, this medium-bodied effort is firm but silky in feel, with a long, elegant finish. Lovely stuff.

James Suckling (99)

Pure black currants on the nose with an incredible al dente grape character. It’s almost like grape must. Undertone of ink and violets and sandalwood. Perfumed. Hints of spearmint. Full-bodied, but so well-formed and reserved. A touch of mint on the palate with dark fruits. It is very complete and reminds me of the classy Spottswoode 2001. I keep being impressed with the purity of fruit with the earthy undertones and stones. Savory. A fitting 40th anniversary wine. 90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, and 3% petit verdot. Best after 2027.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Full bottle 1,320 g. 40th-anniversary vintage. Notably lower alcohol than most. Organically and biodynamically grown. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. 3,739 cases produced.
Mid to dark lustrous purplish crimson. Intense nose draws you in with its layers and sophistication. Aromatic and polished. Rather Lafite-like structure; does not play the concentration game. A dancer not a boxer! It’s already approachable but will clearly go on for many years. Nothing obviously ‘sweet’ about this wine.

Vinous (97)

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic wine off this estate. Bright and floral, with silky tannins, the 2021 is exceptionally finessed and so elegant. I can't remember another vintage like it. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2021 spent 20 months in barrel, 60-65% new, mostly French, with a touch of Hungarian wood.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate will be brilliant, and more in the line of the 2013, possibly the 2016. Deep purple-hued, with a classic Napa Valley Cabernet nose of ripe currants, cassis, graphite, and gravelly earth, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full body, a ripe, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, and building tannins. The overall profile here is one of elegance and class while still showing terrific ripeness.