In Saint Helena, Spottswoode has consistently been a source for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that's remained focused on understated elegance throughout decades in the valley. Finding various Napa wines from the late 80's and early 90's often begins with enthusiasm but ends with disappointment, as the heavy-handed style often marks even these older wines. Spottswoode is a great exception to this unfortunate reality. Perfectly stored bottles from 1987, 1989, and 1991 are featured in today's offer.While current release Spottswoode comes in at similar pricing, these aged examples showcase that transformation that lovers of old school Napa Valley deserve to find.

In 2011, while working in Saint Helena, I was fortunate enough to live on the eastern edge of the Spottswoode vineyard, spending summer evenings watching the sunset over the towering Mayacamas Mountain range. The alluvial clay loam soils mark this territory gently stretching down from the Mayacamas. It's the excellent drainage of this terroir at the foot of the mountains that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. And, it's the estates along this stretch, like MacDonald futher south in Oakville, that are capable of producing wines of great structure that age effortlessly.

The property here was founded in 1882, but has changed hands several times until exactly 100 years later. In 1982, owner Mary Novak produced the first estate-bottled wine with the assistance of famed consulting winemaker, Tony Soter. In 1985 Spottswoode became one of the first vineyards in Napa Valley to apply organic farming.

Spottswoode, as Parker alludes, is the prime destination in the valley for wines built upon their sense of grace much like those of Château Margaux. You will not find inky black fruit character or milk chocolate here. With age, Spottswoode maintains inflections of black cherry fruit and licorice, with tobacco and cedar wood becoming more prominent.

Barely registering at 13% alcohol, these wines maintained their connection to times past while everyone around them was taking a giant leap forward. It's a pleausure to offer today's collection, all in pristine condition with fill levels well into the neck.

1987 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
$138 per bottle.

1989 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
$219 per bottle.

1991 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
$216 per bottle.

2008 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
$329 per bottle.