1992 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The year 1992 was the second most abundant year for Spottswoode, producing 5,713 cases, with the final blend 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. This was a classic Napa vintage with abundant fruit and high yields. Spottswoode made a magnificent example. With a dark ruby/purple/garnet-colored wine to the rim, this wine is stunningly rich, with floral-infused blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, a hint of chocolate and toast. Terrific aromatics are followed by an equally impressive full-bodied wine, with stunningly sweet, velvety tannins, enormous fruit and stature, and a long, long finish. This is brilliant and still somewhat of a late adolescent with at least 20 years of further drinking ahead of it.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Medium red. Aromas and flavors of redcurrant, smoked meat and balsamic cinnamon stick. Plush, sweet and fresh but without quite the energy or thrust of the 1991. Still, a very good showing.
Lots of evolution at the rim. Very light on the nose. A little tired but not as seriously as the 1997. Life and elegance and raciness on the palate. Relatively lightweight. Drying out but the dryness on the finish is at least appetising – or it would be with food. (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.