It is hard to imagine that Spottswoode was founded all the way back in 1882 by George Schonewald. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and was later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding.
Continuing the family lineage, Mary’s daughter Beth Novak Milliken manages the winery, and daughter Lindy Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode produces an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc in honor of their founder, Mary Novak. Spottswoode also crafts a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and two limited-production wines for club members only (Spottswoode Estate “Mary’s Block” Sauvignon Blanc and Field Book Syrah). Their Lyndenhurst wines can offerreallygood value.
The estate itself is located at western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, as vines are set on alluvial clay loam while a strong wartime influence runs through Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas range. The estate has forty acres of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc which have been organically farmed since 1985.
I adored the new 2019 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is intense and finesse-driven, with incredible aging potential. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wines.
2019 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A monumental blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (89.5%) from this estate on the western bench of St. Helena, the 2019 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is right up there with some of the great wines that I have tasted from this estate. Obviously deep and brooding, this shows impeccable balance and a literal cornucopia of flavors, ranging from tobacco leaf, salted dark fruits and smoky tones to creme de violette and Arabica bean tones. Finishing long, this is nervy, intense wine that really can benefit from two to three hours in the decanter prior to enjoying. Savor this beauty over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2024-2044- 98
2019 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon- This great new Cabernet Sauvignon is named after the linden trees that line that Spottswoode grounds. Aged for 20 months in 57% new French oak, this reveals medium-bodied black currant and anise flavors alongside suggestions of tar and freshly tilled soils, with salty undercurrents. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92