The origin of Spottswoode dates to 1882, when 17 acres of vines were planted by German immigrant George Schonewald. Following a change of hands, the property was renamed “Lyndenhurst” in a nod to the beautiful Linden trees that populated the grounds—and still do. After the grueling years of Prohibition put the estate in disarray, it underwent a few more ownership changes until being purchased by the Novak family in 1972 (it is still run by them to this day). Years of selling grapes to established names (Shafer, Duckhorn) paid off a decade later in 1982, with the inaugural release of Spottswoode flagship Cabernet. This “Lyndenhurst” offering, however, wouldn’t make its first appearance until 2002, and I’m sure thankful it did—it certainly competes for the title of best $75 Napa Cab. 

Nearly three-quarters of the grapes in this bottle came from Spottswoode Estate vineyard—the source for their flagship wine. This 40+ acre vineyard (certified organic since 1992) extends to the base of the Mayacamas range on the southwestern border of St Helena and has alluvial, clay loam soil with volcanic influences. The remaining 27% of fruit was picked from nearby estates. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak for 20 months and the assemblage is as follows: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. 

The wine shows an opaque, dark purple core in the glass, leading out to deep magenta highlights on the rim. Lush, polished sweet fruit is entirely evident on the nose as it bursts forward with boysenberry, blackberry, blueberry, and black plum. Following behind are exotic spices fused with cedar shavings, fresh violet, red tobacco leaf, leather, and cacao nibs. The palate confirms what we’ve already anticipated: a full-bodied and opulent wine swelling with concentration. Despite its youthfulness in such a powerful vintage, tannins are well integrated and surprisingly soft, allowing for a fresh and lengthy finish. You’re getting some of Napa’s finest grapes and craftsmanship in this bottle of wine. It is dry, with a fresh core of fruit, lifted acidity, supple tannins; it has it all. Compared to their higher-end Cab, “Lyndenhurst” is primed for youthful drinking. It is delicious now, but will be a hedonist’s dream over the next 5-7 years. When opening, do so with a 30-minute decant and serve in large Bordeaux stems alongside a succulent cut of lamb. Enjoy!