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 2013.
Purple in color. 13.9% ABV. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sublime nose of black fruits, violets and licorice. Complex, fresh and silky. Medium body with impeccable balance. Black cherries, currants and a touch of cassis on the palate. The finish is fantastic with grainy tannins. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2013 vintage was released recently and is readily available. At $80 it is fairly priced given the pedigree.
I blogged about Spottswoode previously in Overlooked Wines from Great Producers.
Lastly, it was somewhat humbling to find out that Beth Novak, the President and CEO of Spottswoode, wanted to send me a sample to review. Thank you Beth!
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Spot on – I’d actually give this a 96, but hey, wine is subjective. I’ve bought this for a 3rd time now and I just can’t stop drinking it. (9 bottles in total) Best 2nd label I’ve had of the 2013’s and that’s saying something. In fairness I haven’t dug into the big boys yet, Second Flight for example, but I can’t see them being any better. Spottswoode has been crushing it since forever, and I so look forward to cracking their ’13 Estate in a few years.
Side note – WS has been totally dogging them the last couple years. Ignore Laube on this one folks. Tom has this one nailed.