40-vintage Spottswoode vertical to be sold at auction
Next month, Christie’s America will auction a 40-vintage vertical of Cabernet Sauvignon by Napa producer Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, with the sale expected to raise up to US$20k.
In September, Napa Valley producer Spottswoode will put 40 consecutive vintages, beginning with its inaugural 1982 release, up for sale via Christie’s America. The sale coincides with the 40th anniversary of the producer’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and encompasses every vintage of the wine ever made.
The lot, taken from one cellar, will comprise one 750ml bottle of each vintage running from 1982 to 2021, with proceeds going to Napa Green, a non-profit consultancy body which helps wine businesses to operate with “the lowest possible carbon footprint”.
According to Christie’s, the estimated value of the lot, which forms part of the Fine & Rare Wines Online: LA Edition sale, is US$10,000 – US$20,000. Bidding starts on 4 September and ends on 18 September.
Historic and heartfelt
“This offering is as historic as it is heartfelt—a complete, impeccably preserved 40-year vertical from one of Napa’s most revered estates, consigned directly from the family who built its legacy,” says Chris Munro, Christie’s Americas Head of Wine and Spirits.
Spottswoode in the St Helena district of Napa Valley, was acquired by the Novak family in 1972, and has been organically farmed since 1985. It achieved Regenerative Organic Certification in 2022.
“We’re honoured to bring this to market and to support Napa Green in the process, aligning with the Novak family’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship,” adds Munro.
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“Impeccably cellared”
According to Christie’s, every bottle in the collection has been “impeccably cellared” by the Novak family since its bottling at the estate, ensuring “pristine provenance and condition”.
Extremely limited quantities are remaining from many of the early vintages.
In addition to the 40-bottle vertical, the winning bidder will receive an invitation to attend Spottswoode’s Annual Vertical Tasting of the last 20 vintages, taking place on Monday 10 November 10; the first time the event has ever been open to a member of the public.
“We taste with curiosity and speak candidly about each wine, refining our understanding of the vineyard across two decades,” says Beth Novak, president and CEO of Spottswoode, who will host the annual tasting.
The producer also regularly contributes to the annual Premier Napa Valley trade-only auction, this year offering an exclusive collaboration between Spottswoode and Grgich Hills Estate. Only 10 cases were produced of the 2023 Re-Generation Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, composed of equal parts of the finest barrel of Grgich Hills’ Yountville Old Vine blend, and a barrel blend from Spottswoode’s estate vineyards. The cuvee is said to marry Spottswoode’s “refined tannins and finesse” with Grgich Hills trademark’ “complexity and concentration”, and celebrates the sustainable ethos of both wineries.
Spottswoode founder Mary Weber Novak was one of the first women to run a major Napa Valley estate. She died in 2016, handing over the reins to her children.
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