The Spottswoode Estate in Napa Valley dates back to 1882, but it wasn't actually until 1972 when Jack and Mary Novak took over the historic St. Helena, that the quality of the wines really achieved top level.
They planted cabernet sauvignon grapes on the property's vineyards. They had now become winegrowers, and they sold their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes to Heitz, Duckhorn, Robert Mondavi and Caymus, iconic names in California's wine mecca if anything.
After Jack's death in 1977, Mary dedicated herself to winemaking, choosing to produce her own Cabernet Sauvignon from the spectacular Spottswoode Vineyards, located in an area made for Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winery was certified organic in 1992, one of the first in California.
The geology is optimal and the climate warm, but with a cooling breeze from a nearby mountain pass. It provides cool nights and the opportunity for a long and complete maturation, while at the same time preserving the elegance and freshness of the wines.
The Spottswoode estate is on the west side of St. Helena on the border of the Mayacamas Mountains,
At Spottswoode, it has always been the Estate wine Cabernet Sauvignon that contains the grapes of the highest quality. Unlike many of the other well-known wineries in the area, Spottswoode does not have special cuvées or single-vineyard wines as the estate's most prestigious. It is a principle that is understandable. It also seems to work well with various wine reviewers.
The house's wines have garnered a string of top ratings. Robert Parker, has several times awarded the Estate wine with the unattainable 100 points.
The quality of Spottswoode's wines is really nice and continues to increase, even in the more difficult vintages the winery manages to deliver top quality.
www.spottswoode.com
