Spottswoode is a family owned winegrowing estate located on the western edge of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. The 46 acre estate, established in 1882, is distinguished by the historic Victorian home depicted on the label. Its entrance is graced by classic formal gardens, while the vineyard stretches behind to the Mayacamas Mountains.
The Spottswoode Estate was bought by Jack and Mary Novak in 1972. The first Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1982. Spottswoode also makes an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, a second Cabernet named Lydenhurst and a Rhone blend known as Field Book.
Lyndenhurst is primarily sourced from the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard although a few other vineyards figure in the mix as well in 2014.
Opaque purple in color. 14.1% ABV. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Supreme nose of black fruits, molten licorice, scorched earth and cassis liqueur. Exceptionally plush and concentrated. Black cherry, raspberry, currants and cassis on the palate. Silky tannins emerge on an endless finish. For me this is the gateway wine to Spottswoode and the ’14 version is the best yet. Drink over the next 5-8 years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2014 vintage was released recently and is readily available. At $85 it is fairly priced given the pedigree.
I blogged about Spottswoode previously in Overlooked Wines from Great Producers.
This review was based on a sample provided by the winery.
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