In a challenging Napa vintage, the 1988, which is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, was formed by the huge heat spikes before and during the harvest. Dark plummy/ruby colored, the aromatics seemed much less classic than other Spottswoodes, with more herbaceousness along with redder fruits. The palate showed higher acids, relatively austere tannins and I sensed the wine was in a state where it was just beginning to dessicate, becoming more angular and charmless. This certainly was one of the only disappointments of a pretty spectacular vertical tasting. Drink it up.