2005 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

97 points Wine Enthusiast: "Tasted in a big lineup of St. Helena Cabernets, Spottswoode’s magnificent ’05 stood out. It’s a massive powerhouse, explosive in black currant, cherry pie, plum, chocolate, anise and cedar flavors that are detailed and precise. However, the wine, which was blended with a little Cabernet Franc, is graceful and balanced." (04/09) 96 points Robert Parker: "The utterly profound 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) will benefit from several years of bottle age, and should keep for 25-30 years. This extraordinary effort exhibits notes of blueberries, cassis, spring flowers, licorice, and forest floor. Beautifully pure and full-bodied with excellent overall harmony as well as superb purity, it reveals a Chateau Margaux-like personality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030." (12/08) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Tight and well-structured, with a firm, compact, dense mix of spicy currant, black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that's pure and focused, revealing more subtle flavor nuances as this unfolds, along with depth and complexity." (10/06) 93 points Stephen Tanzer: "Good full ruby-red. Expressive nose offers cassis, minerals, violet and brown spices. Suave on entry, then supple, sweet and seamless in the middle, without any impression of weight. This boasts lovely inner-mouth energy and lift. The sweet tannins arrive late, allowing the dark fruit and floral flavors to expand in the mouth." (May/Jun 08)