Elizabeth Spencer, ‘Proprietor Selected Special Cuvée’ Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Napa Valley (AVA)

'One-Liner'
A polished and generous Napa Valley Cabernet with ripe black fruit, savoury herbs and cocoa – full-bodied and structured, yet smooth enough to enjoy now.

Tasting Note
Deep garnet in colour, with ripe black cherry, blackberry and cassis joined by dried plum, bay leaf and cracked black pepper, followed by subtle cedar, toasted almond and cocoa. Full-bodied and concentrated, the palate combines succulent dark fruit with lively freshness and finely textured tannins, giving the wine both richness and definition. The finish is long and silky, with lingering cherry, dark chocolate and gently savoury spice.

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub-Region: Napa Valley AVA
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
92pts - James Suckling

The Story
Elizabeth Spencer was founded in 1998 by husband-and-wife team Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler, beginning with a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a commitment to working closely with carefully chosen growers. The winery found its permanent home in Rutherford in 2006, transforming the village’s historic 1872 brick Post Office into an intimate tasting room, and joined the Boisset Collection in 2021. Its wines continue to favour balance and purity over sheer weight, with the Special Cuvée bringing together Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley to create a generous but composed expression of the region – rich in dark fruit, framed by polished tannins and made with the table firmly in mind.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Slow-cooked beef short ribs with rosemary mash
- Vegetarian: Puy lentil, caramelised onion and thyme tart
- Vegan: Porcini, borlotti bean and rosemary ragù with soft polenta