Spottswoode was given its name by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Spotts who owned the St. Helena estate from 1910 until purchased in 1972 by Mary Weber Novak and her late husband, Dr. Jack Novak. The 46-acre estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home depicted on the label of its world renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. Mary Novak is the owner and one of her energetic daughters, Beth Novak Milliken, is President. Lindy Novak, another daughter, is National Sales Manager. There’s one more daughter, Kelley, whom I’m certain is also energetic, but I’m not sure where she fits into the Spottswoode equation. (But fit she does!) The winemaker, since the 1997 vintage, is Rosemary Cakebread who is married to Bruce Cakebread. Mia Klein is winegrowing consultant and David Abreu and Jose Luis Lopez manage the vineyard. And that’s the Spottswoode equation for success.

The first vintage was 1982 and was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The dreaded phlloxera root louse was discovered in the vineyards in 1990 and gradual replanting began. The oldest vines are 27 and the youngest 2 years old. The vineyard is slowly being replanted to keep the older vines in production as long as possible. A small amount of Cabernet Franc is grown for blending at 2-9%.

Starting with the 1999 vintage, Spottswoode wines will be made at the property in a new winery that is nearing completion. Previously, Spottswoode used other wineries to custom crush their grapes.

A barrel sample of the final blend was tasted May 27, 1999. Production is 4000-6000 cases. All French oak aging; approximately 50% new each year.

1997 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 96-99 pts, C4+N4F4+A3T3+E5-: Starting with a stunning red color, one senses sweet oak and vanilla on the nose. Rich fruit/flavors are encased in silky, ultra-soft tannins. You can "taste" the impeccable balance and elegance. A rounded wine devoid of sharp edges, it has an extraordinary lingering finish for being so young. So delicious and drinkable now, the question is, can it get any better?