It is my pleasure to share the wines of Spottswoode — one of Napa’s historic properties that dates all the way back to 1882. Founded 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. The wines are well-structured, with gobs of aging potential. I have enjoyed the early ‘90s Spottswoode wines that seem to be timeless.
Today Mary’s daughter Beth Novak manages the winery, and daughter Lindsay 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 are beautiful values.
Set on the western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, estate vines are planted 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 was so impressed with the 2022 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is a sensational effort despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Powerful and showing good elegance, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wine.
2022 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another sensational edition of this wine, the 2022 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes form this challenging vintage that saw very high temperatures towards harvest. On the nose this takes on rich dark fruits with chocolate and shades of menthol and stony accents. The palate has great power and also excellent finesse. Rich dark currants parade with iron, Black Forest cake and suggestions of wild herbs. Very complex and also delicious, this is drinking unlike many of their releases — sinfully good in its youth. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95