Spottswoode –
Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Tasting Notes

On the approach, the 2016 Lyndenhurst sings a polished and youthful tone and soon reveals generosity and sophistication. The progression is long and opulent, punctuated by notes of cedar, winter mint, bergamot, briar, sandalwood, and chestnuts. There are layers of fruit—blueberry and soft, dark cherry open to aromas of blackberry, intermingled with warming notes of vanilla bean and cocoa powder. The wine is held together with a bright, linear acidity complemented by dark, silken tannins that together leave a lingering finish. This belies its youth and is wonderful to enjoy now.

Food Pairings

Try with a grilled strip loin or rib steak, lamb loin chops or ratatouille

Third Party Reviews

This wine combines estate fruit with grapes from many of Napa Valley’s high-profile sites. ‘Lyndenhurst’ was the former name of the Spottswoode property, where linden trees still stand tall; their notable aromas are easily recognized in this wine, whose notes of melted chocolate, white pepper, cherry, and blueberry are joyful in its youth. Juicy and opulent, it defines balance of power. ‘The phrase ‘balance of power’ is a juxtaposed ideology,’ noted Weinkauf. ‘But that’s the fine line we want to achieve.’ The oak is integrated so subtly it translates more as sandalwood and vanilla bean, curving and meandering through blue and red fruit. 96 points, The SOMM Journal, (October 2019)