Press Room

Elizabeth Spencer Winery Reviews

Score: Sonoma Coast Top Selection | March 14, 2024 | The Wine Merchant/California Collection

Another strong performer from the Elizabeth Spencer winery, sourced this time from long-term partner grower Hendricks Vineyard among other top Sonoma Coast sites. “Very fresh and inviting on the nose: raspberry, fresh cut flowers, black plum, with fruity crunch and real charm,” the judges said. “Some smoke and meat and tobacco notes on the palate, elegant oak, juicy wild strawberries and great length. One for the Burgundy lovers, this is classy, elegant, and restrained – a stunning Pinot Noir.”

Score: Mendocino Top Selection | March 14, 2024 | The Wine Merchant/California Collection

Elizabeth Spencer’s success in Napa Valley soon led to curiosity about neighbouring areas such as Mendocino. “With its super-primary nose, with a strawberry coulis, fruits of the forest edge, this is bright and fruit-driven with plenty of ripe tannins,” the judges said. “Sunny, smiley, accessible and unashamedly rip California Cab at a decent price.”

Score: Napa Valley Top Selection | March 14, 2024 | The Wine Merchant/California Collection

Elizabeth Spencer has two distinctive Cabernet Sauvignons in this year's California Collection line-up. The first hails from Napa and is sourced from a variety of sites across the valley, with the blend aged in 20% new French oak. It "surprised" the judges "with a delightful freshness". One added: "This is a good-looking bottle; it has layers of complexity and a fantastic finish. I can't help but think it needs some time in the cellar to really come alive."

Score: 93 | July 31, 2023 | Wine Enthusiast

This nononsense, nicely concentrated wine offers a firm, tannic texture, good blackberry, black olive and sage flavors and a medium body. It comes off a bit lean and edgy but will taste great with a steak. Or wait for it to mellow with some time in cool storage. Best from 2027. —J.G. 

Score: Silver | June 6, 2023 | Sunset International Wine Competition
Score: Silver | June 6, 2023 | Sunset International Wine Competition
Score: 93 PTS GOLD | April 10, 2023 | 2023 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge

Rich, true fruit, berry pie elegant.