Mature now, yet seemingly capable of continuing on in this vein for at least another decade, Spottswoode's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific example of the sort of wine this picture-book estate can turn out. Always stylish and elegant, with terrific integration of fruit and oak, this vintage is lightening in color a bit, but it's so complete, offering complex aromas of cedar and vanilla that have indelibly melded with the black cherries, cassis and loam notes characteristic of the property. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it finishes long, with softly dusty tannins that will serve it well at the table the next time you can find a worthy piece of lamb or beef.

Spottswoode’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon flows across the palate with gorgeous depth and purity. Warm hints of mocha, espresso, exotic spices and plums blossom in the glass in this dark, voluptuous Cabernet. The 2010 is surprisingly open at this stage, but I expect it will shut down over the next few years. Readers who want to taste the 2010 should do so within the next 6-12 months. This stunning wine remains incredibly primary, but it promises to drink well for several decades. Graphite, menthol and violets are layered into the precise, delineated finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2039. These are two thrilling Cabernets from Spottswoode. Mary Novak Milliken runs her family’s winery with tons of energy and passion. The estate’s vineyards are located just behind the St. Helena town center. Spottswoode’s Cabernet Sauvginon remains one of the most distinctive wines in Napa Valley, and a personal favorite. Tel. (707) 963-0134

Notably dark crimson. Very intense with a graphite streak – intriguing! Round and bumptious. Exuberant fruit with ambitious structure. (JR)

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon features a very purely fruited nose of wild blueberries, crushed cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with touches of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, dried roses and eucalyptus plus a hint of espresso. Medium-bodied, the palate has a compelling grip of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of savory/earthy layers, finishing on a delicious yeasty/meaty note.

Production in this cooler year than 2009 produced 2,586 cases and the blend was 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Consistently perfect from barrel and bottle multiple times, the 2010 is one of the recent blockbuster efforts from Spottswoode. Superb aromatics of spring flowers, blue and black fruits, forest floor and a touch of toast, are followed by a wine of exceptional intensity, texture, purity and a full-bodied finish with velvety, but noticeable tannins. This is still extremely young, but also remarkably impressive even though it is only six years of age. Expect this to hit its prime in about 10 years and last for at least 40.