2018 Spottswoode Sauvignon blanc

Situated on the western edge of St. Helena in Napa Valley, the Spottswoode estate boasts ideal terroir for viticulture. The alluvial clay loam of the Sulphur Creek range provides excellent drainage, while cool ocean breezes flow between Spring Mountain and the
Mayacamas range allows the fruit to ripen evenly. Originally established in 1882, the Spottswoode Estate has an impressive history in Napa Valley. Managed by second-generation sisters Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak,
The 42 hectares are primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, with small blocks of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Read more under the Winery tab/link.

Spottswoode's exceptional, classically styled Sauvignon Blanc has been produced since 1984. Highly acclaimed, it is considered one of the "Super Sauvignons," a term coined by wine writer Karen MacNeil to describe a rare class of wines considered among the world's finest expressions of this noble grape.

Made with grapes from the Spottswoode Estate, as well as those from other iconic family vineyards, this wine is fermented in a combination of French oak, small stainless steel vats, a clay amphora, and ceramic and concrete tanks. It is an eminently drinkable yet cellar-worthy Sauvignon Blanc that is energetic and sublime, fresh and well-integrated, with extraordinary aromas, effortless balance, and remarkable complexity. Renowned wine critics have written that "Spottswoode has turned Sauvignon Blanc into an art form" and have hailed it as one of the world's "finest Sauvignon Blancs," calling it the "aristocracy of domestic Sauvignon Blanc."

Californian Sauvignon Blanc sometimes gets the reputation of being ripe and tropical, but this 2018 Spottswoode wine proves otherwise. This wine is actually taut, lively, and remarkably aromatic. Think gooseberry, lime, and crisp green apple, with a subtle mineral note of wet stones. Fresh and fruity on the palate, yet always balanced.

James Suckling called the wine a benchmark—a point of reference within his style. His tasting note says it all: “A very aromatic white with notes of gooseberries and currant leaves. Fresh green apples. Crispy, but balanced with limes and lemons, as well as some crushed stones. Fresh and fruity on the finish. Lively. A benchmark.”

This wine boasts not only vibrant acidity but also a ripeness that perfectly balances its fresh character. Ideal if you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc with tension and texture, without being overly boisterous or acidic.

Wine style and vinification: freshness with structure

The 2018 is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (mostly) and a small amount of Sémillon. The latter provides roundness and structure. Fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel for freshness, partly in concrete for texture, and partly in wooden barrels for subtlety. No heavy oak aging, but just enough to give the wine some depth.

The result? A refreshing and refined white wine. Ideal with light dishes featuring citrus or goat cheese, but also delicious on its own, slightly chilled on a sunny afternoon.

Spottswoode's 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is available to order from Grandcruwijnen. The bottles are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.

Picking it up in Dordrecht? You'll automatically receive a pickup discount. You'll see this immediately at checkout when you select "Pick up."