2014 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide, Virginie Boone

To call this a second label of Spottswoode’s isn’t quite fair, it’s such a well-made, thoughtfully considered wine in its own right. Juicy black currant, tart cranberry, licorice and clove meet a wall of toasted oak and chocolate in a medium-bodied, approachable and properly balanced expression of the variety that will impress seekers of restraint and grace. 94 points Editors’ Choice (May 2018)

The Nittany Epicurean, Michael Chelus

This wine is named after one of the former names of the historic property which is now known as Spottswoode. It is mostly cabernet sauvignon (90%) blended with small amounts of cabernet franc (3%), petit verdot (3%), malbec (2%) and merlot (2%). The fruit hails from five different vineyard sites in the Napa Valley. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (40% new). It comes in at 14.1% ABV.

The wine showed a dark ruby almost opaque color. Blackberry, cassis, mocha, vanilla, licorice, oak and whiffs of white pepper all arrived on the deep and complex nose. Blackberry, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, dark chocolate, oak and eucalyptus followed on a palate that showcased dark berry fruit. The wine exhibited great structure and length, along with well-integrated tannins. This wine would be a fine pair with a roast tenderloin of beef. (May 8, 2018)

Wine.com, Wilfred Wong

A softer Spottswoode Cabernet? The 2014 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst takes no back seat to its similarly priced Napa Valley Cabernet neighbors. This wine shows plenty of power, richness, and depth. This wine is approachable now, though it will continue to hold and grow for at least a half a dozen years. This wine boasts black fruits, some berries, with a hint of wood in the background. On the palate, it is chewy-smooth. Its pleasing finish pairs it perfectly with a New York Strip Steak. 94 points (October 30, 2017)

Vinous.com, Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst offers lovely immediacy and intensity. Black cherry, chocolate, menthol and licorice give the 2014 much of its racy, voluptuous personality. This is a decidedly ripe style for the Lyndenhurst, as the wine feels slightly bigger and richer than is the norm. That said, the 2014 will drink well upon release. 90 points (December 2016)

JamesSuckling.com, James Suckling

A rich and dense red with a powerful palate of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Lots of blackberry and blueberry character. Expanding tannins. Needs two or three years to soften. 94 points (January 27, 2017)