Napoleon BBQ Grills
2012 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon, From St Helena in Napa Valley
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Spottswoode Website
The Winery was established in 1882 by founder Mrs. Albert Spotts. The property was later acquired in 1972 by Mary and Jack Novak. Mary released their first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, one hundred years after its founding. They have consistently received high praise and scores for their wines. In 1985, before organic farming was a sought-after title, they were already practicing strict procedures. Then in 1992 they received their California Certified Organic Farmers certification (CCOF).
Today besides their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, they produce a Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst (Estate and other selection vineyards), Sauvignon Blanc including a designated block production and a few others.
Spottswoode’s accolades are impeccable with notes on their website from Jancis Robinson, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker, Jeb Dunnuck, etc. More can be found at: https://spottswoode.com/accolades/
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While heralded as one of the premier wines of Napa Valley, unfortunately this fell short of the mark. Perhaps I kept in the temperature and humidity-controlled cellar for too long? Don’t get me wrong, it was a very good Cabernet Sauvignon but far from the stellar ratings that Robert Parker gave it as 100 points or Suckling at 98 points. Robert Parker in his notes, stated drink after 2025.
On the eyes a very deep maroon/crimson coloring. On the nose blackberries and dark cherries dominated the senses. Once on the palate, the lush fruits of cherries coupled with blueberries swelled up in the mouth. It was not the “well defined and structured” wine with layers of enjoyment, but rather flat and monotone. The tannins and acidity had mellowed and vanquished into a silent whisper of faintness. On the finish soft blueberries and a hint of vanilla were present and almost no oak. Still an enjoyable sipping wine, but something stronger was expected, more akin to O’Shaughnessy, Outpost, Cardinal, Crocker & Starr pedigree.
I believe the current vintage from the winery sells for $285/bottle for the 2023 vintage.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Chose this wine tonight to go with a special seasoned ribeye steak to cut through the marbled fat in the meat. While the meat was very good, the lack of edgy/jagged and pronounced tannins were lacking to make this wine spectacular. The meat was seared quickly at 1500 degrees on a Napolean infrared burner to a beautiful medium rare presentation.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Accompanied by corn on the cob, a fresh artichoke and garden salad with bacon and Blue cheese dressing. The overall meal was scrumptious. Happy to have my wife back from a visit with family in California!
A good wine and food pairing, but the wine fell short of my high expectations to make this an excellent pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly