92 pts – Wine Advocate
A strong showing for this Cabernet, Spottswoode’s 1986 exhibits a youthful, unevolved, opaque ruby/purple color with some garnet creeping in at the edge. The sweet nose of cassis, lead pencil, and toast exhibits high class. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with moderately high tannin, this is a young, backward, delicious Cabernet Sauvignon that is just beginning to reveal its full personality. This purely made wine is capable of lasting another 10-15+ years. The Chateau Margaux of Napa. – Robert Parker
96 pts – Wine Spectator
This has everything: deep color, rich, ripe aromas and bold fruit flavors, a velvety texture, depth and balance. It’s delicious now but will improve for years.–Spottswoode vertical. Drink now through 2016. 2,400 cases made.
