Spottswoode has been one of Napa Valley’s stalwart producers of quality Cabernet Sauvignon since its earliest years, and for the last decade or so has been quietly turning out elegant, refined, and even understated wines that represent everything that is good about Napa Cabernet. While other wineries have pushed the frontiers of ripeness, extraction, and new oak, Spottswoode seems to have simply stuck to its guns, and now represents a classic profile of Cabernet in the valley.
The estate has been farmed organically since 1985 (fully certified in 1992) and is currently experimenting with many tenets of biodynamic viticulture. The winemaking takes an equally thoughtful and restrained approach, marked, in particular, by a limited use of new French oak (usually somewhere between 50 and 70 percent) for the winery’s estate Cabernet.
The winery produces four wines: their estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sauvignon Blanc, a second label Cabernet named Lyndenhurst, and most recently, a Rhone style blend from Paso Robles fruit called Field Book. All are made in quite small quantities, with total production hovering somewhere around 6,000 cases of wine.
Spottswoode’s wines aren’t plentiful, nor are they cheap, but their estate Cabernets are among the best that Napa has to offer.
The Novak family is committed to producing wines that faithfully reflect their grape origins. Each Spottswoode wine is known for its refined elegance, balance, and classic structure.
On offer this week are the two Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced by Spottswoode – both wines from the highly acclaimed 2012 vintage. As the reviews below attest, these are seriously good wines and are tremendous examples of the quality level that can be attained in California. Do NOT miss this opportunity. Both wines are in limited supply so please respond promptly.
To order, please send me an e-mail or telephone our office at the number listed below.
To your continued good health!
Geoff Townsend
The Small Winemakers Collection
www.smallwinemakers.ca
416-463-7178
2012 Lydenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon
$112.95 btl / $677.70 cs (case of 6 x 750ml)
With its deep black core and garnet rim, this gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
entices with aromas of black cherry, orange zest and a touch of dust. On the palate, layers of cherry, zest and dark cocoa powder coat the mouth while a hint of fresh pine provides an appealing zing. Rich and full-bodied, this wine’s tannins provide a reassuring grip underneath their supple, velvety mouthfeel – an indication of age-worthiness and promise of evolving complexity with years of additional cellaring.
Drink: Now – 2030+
Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, game meats
Accolades:
Loads of wet earth, autumn leaves, charcoal and black currants. Full body, firm tannins, gorgeous fruit and spice. Beautiful tannin and acid tension to this wine with a solid core of fruit to balance it. Better in 2019. 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. James Suckling, 95 points
Bold, intense and racy, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndernhurst wraps around the palate with supple fruit, expressive aromatics and a silky, inviting finish that gives the wine so much of its immediacy and pure appeal. The style is round and succulent to the core; in other words classic 2012. Dark red stone fruits, spices, new leather and mint meld into the generous finish in this pretty Cabernet from Spottswoode. Vinous, December 20, 2014, 92 points
2012 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon
$219.95 btl / $1319.70 cs (case of 6 x 750ml)
The year 2012 was what might be considered an idyllic growing season in Napa Valley, and our Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful reflection of this vintage and of our exceptional 40-acre estate vineyard.
Juicy primary fruit flavors predominate this inviting wine. Penetrating blackberry and blueberry essence with some creamy yogurt, cassis liqueur, plum, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Malted chocolate and a hint of black pepper on the nose. There is a density along with focus and a pristine delineation. Great structure and concentration, with ripe, refined tannins and good acidity. This remarkable wine has immense potential. The 2012 was a pleasure to make; the vintage was close to a dream come true!
Drink: Now – 2035+
Food Pairing: Steaks, beef, lamb
Accolades:
Incredible blueberries, blackberries, black walnuts, minerals, black licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, very tight and structured with hints of hazelnuts, fine chocolate and hints of minerals and spices. A solid and classic-styled Napa Valley cab. Layered and very fine. James Suckling, April 30, 2015, 98 points
The opaque purple-hued 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a glorious bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, a Pauillac-like lead pencil note, and background new oak. The overall impression is one of restraint combined with richness. This full-bodied effort possesses good acidity and ripe tannin. It has been crafted for the long-term. The hallmarks of great Spottswoode wines are their purity and elegance combined with serious power. The 2012 has that in abundance. This youthful, reserved Cabernet will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring, and will keep for two decades or more. The Wine Advocate, October 31, 2014, 96+ points
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, powerful and sensual, with plenty of the vintage’s trademark richness and radiance. Over the last year, the 2012 has gained considerable volume. Hints of mocha, plum, new leather and spices meld into the richly textured, voluptuous finish. In 2012, the blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Vinous, October 2015, 96 points