Today we share the wines of one of Napa’s most historic properties. Spottswoode can date 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. Innovators in viticulture, they began organic farming all the way back in 1985.
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). Locted 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 2025 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 95) which is primarily fruit from Sonoma and is sinfully good with its power and poise. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wine.
2025 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc- Another year, another magnificent bottling of the Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc. This 2025 edition comes from primarily Sonoma County fruit (72%) and has 5% Semillon blended on. On the nose this takes on white grapefruit blossom, green herbs and dense melon tones that collide with hints of freshly cut kiwi. The palate is rich and layered with great nutty nuances coming from the Semillon. Rich and vibrant, this beauty will live on for at least another eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 94
2023 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of sites throughout Napa valley. Aged in 40% new French oak for ten months this has 16% Merlot blended in with smaller portions Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Medium-bodied kirsch and black raspberry flavors collide with milk chocolate and hints of fresh sage on the palate. The flavor range is outstanding, with stony mineral accents, enjoy now and over the next seven plus years to come. Drink 2026-2033- 92