Cabernet Sauvignon (1989)

About this wine

The 1989 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon offers a complex bouquet of black cherry and currants, complemented by secondary flavors of pomegranate, pine, earth, and sandalwood. The refined tannins are structured yet velvety, showcasing the power, elegance, and finesse of this classic wine. This vintage reflects the resilience of the vineyard during a challenging harvest year, resulting in a wine that has aged gracefully over the decades.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it well-suited to various climates. In Napa Valley, this varietal gained prominence in the mid-20th century, especially after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Napa's Cabernet Sauvignons outperformed esteemed French wines, elevating the region's global reputation. Spottswoode Estate, established in 1882 and revitalized by the Novak family in 1972, has been a pioneer in cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, releasing its first vintage in 1982 and adopting organic farming practices by 1985, setting a standard for sustainable viticulture in the area.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1989 vintage of Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted by renowned winemaker Tony Soter, who played a pivotal role in establishing the winery's elegant and age-worthy style.
• 🌱 In 1989, Spottswoode's vineyards were farmed organically, a practice they began in 1985, making them pioneers in Napa Valley's organic viticulture movement.
• 🏞️ The 1989 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from grapes grown in the estate's 40-acre vineyard, situated on the apex of the Sulphur Creek fan, providing superb drainage and an ideal microclimate for winegrowing.
• 🌧️ The 1989 vintage faced challenges due to rain occurring before and during the harvest, yet it resulted in a surprisingly successful wine with ripe black and red currant fruit, spring flowers, and soft tannins.
• 🏆 Spottswoode's 1989 Cabernet Sauvignon was among the early vintages that contributed to the winery's reputation for producing wines with elegance, balance, and the ability to age gracefully.

Palate profile

Producer

Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, established in 1882 in St. Helena, California, is renowned for its historic Victorian home and commitment to organic farming. In 1972, Mary and Jack Novak purchased the estate, and after Jack's passing in 1977, Mary led the winery to produce its first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982. Spottswoode became one of Napa Valley's pioneers in organic viticulture, farming organically since 1985 and achieving certification in 1992. Today, the winery is managed by Mary's daughters, Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak, and is celebrated for its elegant, balanced wines and environmental stewardship.