SPOTTSWOODE LYNDENHURST CABERNET 750ML 2022

The 2022 Lyndenhurst from Spottswoode was aged 20 months in 48% new French oak, blending fruit from the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard with selections from Carneros, Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, and St. Helena. The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend is rounded out by 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Ripe black cherry, leather, liquorice, and cedarwood leap from the glass, while super-suave tannins are neatly stacked, providing structure and finesse. Savoury dried violets intertwine with black olive and cherry pit, leading to a long, bright finish infused with blood orange acidity—a harmonious and refined expression with depth and energy.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is characterized on the nose by ripe cherries, hints of cedar and dried spices. A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties, aged in approximately 50% new French oak, it's medium- to full-bodied, silky and plush. Already very drinkable but not flaccid, this shows lovely shape and delineation on the palate, reinforced by silky, fine-grained tannins on the finish. It's a fine value in the context of Napa Valley Cabernet.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is a very classy wine. Silky and aromatic, this is all finesse. Sweet floral top notes meld into spice, rose petal, lavender and new leather. More than anything else, the 2022 impresses with its gracious personality. This is a very pretty and complete Lyndenhurst. The blend is approximately 60% purchased and 40% estate fruit. One of the recent developments here has been the addition of sites in cooler regions such as Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll that ripen later and are therefore somewhat protected from the heat. That paid off significantly in 2022.