Spottswoode Estate Profile
The People
The Owners/Propriertors
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Mary Weber Novak founded Spottswoode Estate in 1972, transforming the historic property into one of Napa Valley's most celebrated wine estates. In 1982, she released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon. Mary focused on crafting wines that honored the estate’s natural beauty and history. Under her leadership, Spottswoode gained organic certification in 1985, a pioneering move at the time.
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Beth Novak Milliken, Mary’s daughter, took the reins in 2016, continuing her mother’s legacy. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Beth has positioned Spottswoode as a leader in responsible winemaking practices, ensuring the estate’s vitality for future generations.
Winemaker
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Tony Soter, a legendary winemaker, played a pivotal role in establishing Spottswoode’s reputation for excellence. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Soter’s precise and balanced winemaking style set the foundation for the estate’s world-class Cabernet Sauvignons and continues to influence its legacy today.
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Mia Klein solidified Spottswoode’s position as a producer of elegant and age-worthy wines. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Klein honed her skills under renowned mentors at wineries like Chappellet and Robert Pepi before joining Spottswoode. Originally from Southern California, she became known for her ability to craft wines of exceptional elegance and purity.
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Pam Starr was born in Boston and educated at the University of California, Davis, Starr’s expertise in enology and viticulture positioned her as a forward-thinking winemaker. Her influence is still evident in the estate’s commitment to showcasing terroir.
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Rosemary Cakebread was a graduate of the University of California, Davis, she had honed her skills at prestigious wineries such as Robert Mondavi Winery and Sterling Vineyards.
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Raised in Ohio, she pursued her education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and trained at top Napa wineries, including Araujo and Staglin, before taking the reins at Spottswoode. Her tenure continued the estate’s tradition of excellence
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Aaron Weinkauf, Spottswoode’s current winemaker and vineyard manager, seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Originally from California, he holds a degree in viticulture and enology from California State University, Fresno. Weinkauf’s hands-on approach and deep respect for the estate’s history have solidified his reputation as a steward of Spottswoode’s legacy, crafting wines that are both timeless and innovative.
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Born and raised in Victoria, Australia, Molly Sheppard has been surrounded by wine for most of her life. She earned a degree in Agribusiness, Viticulture, and Enology from Curtin University in Western Australia. After working in wineries across Victoria, Margaret River, and the Yarra Valley, Molly made her first trip to Napa Valley as an intern for the 2017 vintage and fell in love with the region’s beauty and dynamic nature. Now an integral part of Spottswoode’s winemaking team, Molly combines her international experience with a passion for sustainability and terroir-driven wines, contributing to the estate’s enduring success.
Historical Significance
Spottswoode Estate, located in St. Helena, Napa Valley, dates back to 1882, making it one of the region’s most historic properties and a pre-Prohibition winery estate. The Schonewald family originally planted 17 acres of grapes that year, laying the groundwork for its agricultural legacy. Originally established as a family farm, the estate transitioned to winemaking under the current owners in 1972, when Mary Weber Novak acquired the property. The first vintage of Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1982, marking the beginning of its modern legacy. Its early adoption of organic farming and its position as a leader in sustainable viticulture highlight Spottswoode’s lasting influence on the Napa Valley wine industry.
Style of Wine/Philosophy
Spottswoode is renowned for its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes:
Sustainability: Certified organic farming since 1985 (CCOF Certification) and Napa Green Winery and Napa Green Land Certifications in 2007, reflecting an ongoing commitment to regenerative practices.
Terroir Expression: Minimal intervention to allow the vineyard’s unique character to shine.
Craftsmanship: A meticulous approach to every stage, from vineyard to bottle, ensuring consistency and quality. Spottswoode is renowned for its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, known for elegance, complexity, and balance. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes:
Location
Spottswoode Estate is situated on the western edge of St. Helena, Napa Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountainsand within walking distance of Highway 29. Its location on the coveted benchlands—a transitional area between the valley floor and the mountain slopes—offers ideal conditions for grape growing, including excellent drainage and a balance of sun exposure and cooling mountain air. The estate encompasses a 40-acre property, with 24 acres dedicated to vineyards planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and smaller experimental blocks. This unique position ensures the wines retain their signature elegance, complexity, and balance, benefiting from both the fertile valley influences and the structured character imparted by the mountains.
Past Critic Opinion
Spottswoode has consistently garnered praise from critics, with many vintages receiving scores above 95 points. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) frequently describes Spottswoode’s Cabernet Sauvignon as “elegant” and “profound,” emphasizing its balance and aging potential. Wine Spectator highlights the wines for their “poise and purity,” often naming them among Napa Valley’s finest. Vinous commends the estate’s ability to craft “timeless wines that reflect both tradition and innovation,” solidifying its reputation as one of the region’s best.
“If Chateau Margaux were in Napa Valley it would be Spottswoode.”
The Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Location: St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA
Ownership: Estate Vineyard.
Known for: Flagship wine.
Vineyard: 42 acres. Alluvial clay loam. Maritime breezes.
Style: Elegant. Powerful. Age worthy.
Age: Planted in 1991. Phylloxera required a replant of much of the vineyard. *Continually planted since 1882.
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot.
Elevage: 20mo in 62% new French oak barrels.
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Location: Napa Valley
Ownership: Combinateion of Estate and purchased.
Known for: Historically, a second wine that used the younger vines. Now known as a collaboration wine.
Vineyards Sources: Spottswoode Estate, St. Helena + Darms Land, Napa Valley + Edcora, Atlas Peak + Mowe, St. Helena + Obsidian Ridge, High Mayacams + Rahn Estate, Howell Mountain + Young Inglewood, St Helena
Style: Cabernet Blend. Vibrant.
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 79.2% Merlot 10.6% Petit Verdot 3.8% Cabernet Franc 3.5% Malbec 2.9%
Elevage: 20 months 35% new French oak barrels.
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Location: St. Helena
Ownership: Purchased Fruit. Long term lease.
Known for: Field Book series started in 2007. California heritage varietals.
Vineyard: 1ha. Border of S. edge of estate vineyards. Bale clay and alluvial soils. Maritime breezes.
Style: Old school. Robust.
Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Manseng Noir, Tinta Cao, Falanghina and Assyrtiko
Sauvignon Blanc
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Location: St. Helena AVA
Ownership: Estate + Purchased grapes.
Known for: “Super Sauvignon.” Flagship White. Since 1984.
Vineyard: Blend of Napa and Sonoma.
Style: Approachable. Age Worthy. Vibrant.
Varietals: around 90% Sauvignon Blanc and the rest Semillion.
Elevage: Stainless steel, French oak, amphora, ceramic, concrete vessels.
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Location: St. Helena AVA
Ownership: Estate.
Known for: Named after Mary, produced since 2016.
Vineyard: Removed in 1990. 1 acre parcel replanted in 2000. Adjacent to Spring Creek.
Style: Age worthy.
Age: Planted in 2000.
Varietals: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Fermentation: 72% new French oak and small 15% portion in Stainless steel.
Elevage: Barrel aged 5 months.
Gallery
