Wine & Food | Professor Bainbridge

Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) 2004

A brilliant success. The huge bouquet sends perfume cascading around the room. The flavors are intense and deep, but when paired with a rich sauce (buffalo sirloin steak au poivre) it has enough acidity to be refreshing. The tannins are present in considerable force, but they’re sufficiently ripe and well-integrated to allow the wine to be enjoyed now.

Chocolate, espresso, cassis, truffle, and a dash of sweet dark berries.

I had only this bottle in my cellar. I’m going to go find some more, however. Although it’s great to drink to now, it has all the ingredients for extended aging. I’d love to see what it’s like in, say, 2024.