WINEMAKER NOTES
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.
Explore Related Collections
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We ship wine to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after the shipping cutoff will be scheduled for the next available shipping day.
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Wine is packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to help protect both the wine and the wooden case during transit.
Because wine is temperature-sensitive, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding an order when weather conditions present an elevated risk. Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for additional information.
Weather Holds & Storage
During periods of extreme heat or cold, shipments may be delayed until conditions improve. Customers may also request that an order be held for a later shipping date.
Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the available weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to coordinate a future shipment.
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Shipping protection for loss or visible damage in transit is included with eligible shipments, subject to applicable terms and carrier requirements. Temperature-related deterioration is not covered.
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We currently ship wine to the following U.S. states:
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Shipping laws and carrier availability may change. If your state is not available as a shipping destination at checkout, please contact us to confirm current eligibility.
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.
Explore Related Collections
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.
Explore Related Collections
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