Sasha Agapov

9.7

This is sun trapped in a bottle. Pure joy and deliciousness. Lesser vintage and still unbeatable quality. — 10 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.9

My 4th bottle, the best and my last, this absolutely killed it and is why I love Napa Valley Cabernet, especially #Spottswoode. 12 years old this easily has another 10 to go but is in a beautiful place right now. Open or decant for 30 minutes, though I did not decant. A deep resold color, not a sign of brick as one would expect. Shows the importance of provenance (bought from winery). A complex set or aromas and flavors of creme d'cassis, currants, sweet and sour cherries, sweet cedar, and graphite. Palate wise the textures are all in alignment, with medium to full body, ample acidity and medium grain slightly chewy tannins that may be it's only flaw. #2002 — 11 years ago

Todd Alexander

9.2

In a great place now. Not the longest drinking window but very nice. — 12 years ago

Jaume

9.4

29 years old and drank incredibly well. What a treat. The big fruits have softened but in their place is now a brooding torrent of notes which evolved from sip to sip. Quite a remarkable wine. — 10 years ago

Vic Petroff

9.2

Wow. In a good place. So smooth & silky, balanced, soft tannins. Just nice. — 11 years ago

Morgan Harris

Head Sommelier Aureole New York

9.4

2011. Blanc. No one drinks enough of this. That's because there are so few things to which its a good partner, but it would be an incredible cheese-and-charcuterie wine. Broad and oily, there's just enough acid to keep you coming back for more. Sun-baked yellow orchard fruits dominate, but there's more exotic fruits too (mango and dried pineapple) yellow flowers, tons of almond husk bitterness, green olives, bay leaf, oregano, tarragon, white cheddar. Oak is assertively present but not overwhelming. Place dominates over grapes here, as it's a mix of Clairette and Grenache Blanc and a hodge-podge of other things. — 11 years ago

Joe Paradise

9.5

This wine reminds me why i fell in love with wine in the first place. Developed dried fruit and leathery aromas. Cherry and subtle perfectly integrated oak on the palate. Deliberate, careful oxidation adds layers to it. This ultra traditional rioja has the finesse and nuance of a great piece of art. One of my favorite producers — 11 years ago

Bethany D'Meza

9.4

1999 cdc is just in a great place ... bright and lemony... just hitting all spots — 11 years ago

Amy Morgan

9.1

A medium + intensity of Black fruits (black cherry, black currants) dark chocolate, mint, tobacco and cedar. Nose and palate matching in flavor profile and complexity. Still tight and will just get better with age. — 11 years ago

Evan Malik

9.0

Young vibrant and in the right place — 12 years ago