Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa St. Helena 20TH Anniversary 2001 ( label?)

 Production fell back to about 4,300 cases in 2001, which was a fabulous growing season in Napa Valley and from the get-go heralded as a profound vintage. Certainly Spottswoode hit all cylinders with its blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, and the first in a series of wines from them that eclipsed 14% alcohol (this one is 14.1%). Still dense purple to the rim, the wine is a young adolescent, with beautiful floral notes intermixed with deep crème de cassis, blackberry and blueberry Hints of licorice and graphite also present in this full-bodied, multilayered, magnificent and majestic Cabernet Sauvignon that is shaping up to be a great classic. There is at least 25-30 years of tasty longevity left in this large-scale Spottswoode that still seems to have a vague resemblance to Château Margaux. Bravo! (RP) 98+