Cabernet Sauvignon, Spottswoode Estate 2021

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon needs a fair bit of shaking to wake up notes of blackcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and mulberries, leading to hints of cinnamon stick, red roses, and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is tightly knit with bold red and black fruit notes and provocative mineral sparks, supported by firm, grainy tannins, and fantastic tension, finishing long and layered. It's another WOW vintage for Spottswoode! The blend includes 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.

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.

Moving to the Grand Vin, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep, dense purple color as well as a primordial nose of ripe black fruits, cassis, camphor, scorched earth, violet, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Reminding me of a young Leoville Las Cases with its closed, dense, structured style, it's concentrated, has a pure, layered, focused style, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It needs 5-7 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30+ years. The blend of the 2021 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. 2029 - 2059

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. (JR)