Isaac Pirolo

9.4

Spottswoode’s 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from both Napa (36%) and Sonoma (64%) and was released this week. Three different methods of fermentation are employed with most occurring in either French oak or stainless steel barrels but a small amount apportioned to concrete eggs.

Noticeably perfumed and almost opulent in its intensity with layers of potent orange blossom, salted lime, ripe nectarine, and tangerine peel, with a distinctive mint oil that dances on the periphery. The vibrancy is dialed way up, but the lines are clean and the edges are smooth, ultimately yielding an extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc. — 8 years ago

Ryan Simmons

9.3

Transparent maroon with slight bricking/rose periphery. Cherry cola, leather, blackberry, and cigar box. Medium bodied and and soft on the entry. Balanced and complex. Tannins come through on the finish. Cellar for 3+ years. I'd say it'd hold through 2027. Nice. 92 — 12 years ago

Ryan Simmons

9.8

Dark maroon with just a hint of brick on the periphery. Fig with an overpowering nose of black cherry, fig, menthol, tobacco, and licorice. Soft velvety tannins and full bodied. Red currant and coffee. Balanced yet not overly complex,with a strong finish. Remarkable for table wine. A north coast of note. 91. — 13 years ago

Angelo Casagrande

8.9

I like this wine. Rich and deep flavor, not just hitting around the periphery of the palate like a lot of sauvignon blancs. Great mineral structure. Even the color is slightly darker. Or maybe that's my imagination. — 10 years ago

Paul Masson

9.4

An unexpectedly delicate rendition of Hirsch, but none the worse for it - this is charming and elegant. Light ruby in color. The initial aromatics give jubilant red fruit, spice, and flowers, but this takes some unexpected meaty, herbal, earthy, and smoky turns at the periphery. In the mouth it is light but long-lasting, with some tart juiciness (slightly volatile) and very fine tannins. Coy in its intentions, but this is a knockout. — 12 years ago

Ryan Simmons

10

Beautiful maroon color with transparency around the periphery. The nose is most interesting; it has distinct Barossa Valley Shiraz characteristics, but it is also reminiscent of a big Napa cab without the chewiness. Big ripe red fruit, spice, vanilla and cedar. Not much alcohol on the nose. Great mouth feel but more medium bodied. The palate showing some chocolate, vanilla, and tobacco. Not nearly ad fruity as the nose but well balanced. Long even finish. Great value. Really stoked on this one. At $12 I should've gotten a case. 92 — 13 years ago

Ryan Simmons

8.9

2012. Dark maroon. Slightly transparent periphery. Licorice, anise, dominate a nose of bright red fruits with a lot of heat. Let it breath for a solid 3 hrs and it's still hot. Tobacco, black cherry, cassis, oaky tannins. Long finish. Nice. Needs 5 - 7 yrs. 89 — 11 years ago

Ryan Simmons

9.1

Decanted for an hour or two. '06. Slightly transparent maroon with slight bricking on the periphery. Orange tinge when pouring into the decanter. Bouquet of freshly baked pie and spice. Strawberry, rhubarb, and nutmeg and cinnamon. A lot of heat initially that's abates quickly. Medium bodied and still decently tannic. Long spicy finish. 92 — 12 years ago

Ryan Simmons

9.6

Dark purple with slightly transparent periphery. Balanced ripe and dark fruits, cherry, blackberry, black currant, underlying green pepper, eucalyptus. Medium-full body. blackberry, cherry, tobacco, with hints of bitter chocolate. Dissipating velvety tannins with a medium finish. Great value and consistent. I've had at least 4 bottles and it always delivers. 89 — 12 years ago