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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
1988 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – A Testament to Napa Valley’s Heritage
The 1988 Spottswoode Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon represents one of Napa Valley’s early benchmarks for classically structured, age-worthy Cabernet. From the family’s organic vineyards in St. Helena, this wine reflects Spottswoode’s timeless style—graceful, aromatic, and deeply rooted in the terroir of the northern Napa Valley. Even after decades in bottle, this vintage continues to show remarkable vitality and refinement.
Tasting Notes
Beautifully evolved, the 1988 opens with delicate aromas of dried cherry, blackcurrant, and cedarwood, joined by secondary notes of leather, tobacco leaf, and bay laurel. On the palate, it is elegant and medium-bodied, offering flavors of red currant, cocoa, and graphite supported by fine, resolved tannins and bright acidity. The finish remains fresh, silky, and beautifully balanced.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit, the 1988 vintage is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel, followed by aging in French oak barrels—approximately half new—for nearly two years. Spottswoode’s alluvial soils, combined with organic farming and meticulous hand-harvesting, produce wines of poise and longevity.
Investment & Collectibility
As one of Napa’s pioneering women-led estates, Spottswoode’s legacy has only grown in stature. The 1988 Estate Cabernet is a rare glimpse into the evolution of this historic vineyard and is now a collector’s treasure. It continues to perform beautifully at auction and remains highly prized for its authenticity and provenance. Perfect for your collection.
Vintage Insights
The 1988 Napa Valley vintage was moderate and late-ripening, yielding wines of balance and classic proportions. Spottswoode’s meticulous viticulture and restrained winemaking allowed this wine to age gracefully for over three decades, demonstrating the estate’s exceptional consistency and terroir expression.







