Today we share one of the jewels of the Napa Valley. Spottswoode is a historic property that dates all the way back to 1882. 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.
Today Mary’s daughter Beth Novak 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 are beautiful values.
The winery is set at the 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 love the new 2024 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 95) which is wonderfully rich and viscous, with serious tension. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wine.
2024 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc- A dazzling rendition of this wine from this cooler year, the 2024 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc offers plump gooseberry and kiwi notes on the nose with lemongrass and dried green herbal accents. The palate is fresh and lively with bright acidity and a seamless sense of texture. Very mineral-laden, each sip offers lip-smacking minerality and great flavor density. Glorious now, this will evolve well for another eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 95
2022 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon stands inky in the glass from this hot vintage. Red bell pepper notes mingle well with fresh sage, black currants, pencil lead and shades of mocha on the palate. Medium-bodied and approachable now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 91