2011 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinous Media, Antonio Galloni

A gorgeous entry-level wine, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is soft, pretty and understated. Best of all, it drinks beautifully today. Dark red cherries, plums, cinnamon and savory herbs are all nicely delineated in a bright, lifted Cabernet that showcases the mid-weight personality of the year. The 2011 is 90% estate fruit, with 10% purchased fruit from Oakville Ranch. 92 points (December 2014)

International Wine Cellar, Steve Tanzer

Bright red-ruby. Dark berries, menthol and a hint of tobacco on the nose. Soft, ripe and plush but not at all cooked, with sweet berry and milk chocolate flavors offering considerable immediate appeal. This fruit-forward second wine finishes with building tannins. Very successful for this bottling. Beginning with the 2011, the label will not say St. Helena. 90 points (May/June 2013)

JancisRobinson.com, Jancis Robinson

Very, very cool vintage. Lots of fog and much more rain than usual. Vibrant but not dominant acidity. Tobacco, balsamic notes. Subtle and savoury. Great balance. Glossy, but not too sweet – so subtle. Pretty lovely now. High toned. A very dry finish – definitely food wine. Just 987 cases made. Drink 2014–2023. 17.5/20 points (September 23, 2014)

Wine Review Online, Linda Murphy

When it comes to buying 2011 Napa Cabs, trust the producer. The best make outstanding wines in the most difficult conditions, including 2011. They aren’t afraid to let vintage character show in their wines, and for them to be crisp and focused, in cool growing seasons, and put the speed governor on ripeness and alcohol in hot years. Spottswoode’s little-sister Cab, Lyndenhurst 2011 Napa Valley, made from younger estate vines and supplemented with Oakville-grown grapes, is a drink-now beauty, yet also has the chops for cellaring. Dark cherry, subtle oak spice and refreshing acidity make this affordable by Napa Valley price standards. (November 4, 2014)

Wine Review Online, Rich Cook

The tenth vintage of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is Spottswoode’s near term drinking wine, made in a rich fruit forward style that’s really easy to love. Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, pie spices and very light touches of mint and dried herbs are delivered over supple tannins and light oak toast. A touch of coffee comes forward on the finish, adding interest to yet another well-made wine from the difficult 2011 vintage. There’s depth and complexity here that you don’t often see in an unblended Cabernet. Well done! 92 points (December 9, 2014)

JamesSuckling.com, James Suckling

This is very balanced and juicy with plum, terracotta and light milk chocolate. Full body with velvety, firm tannins but fresh and clean. Very long and beautiful. The depth and beauty are impressive. Drink or hold. 93 points (May 15, 2014)

The Tasting Panel, Anthony Dias Blue

Smooth and juicy with tangy acidity and long, lively flavors of plum and spice; fresh and long; an impressive showing for Spottswoode’s second label. 92 points (December 2014)

The Press Democrat, Peg Melnik

A tasty cab with a deep core of fruit—blackberry, black cherry and blueberry. Briary, with herbs and spices in the mix. Firm tannins. Nice length. (December 15, 2014)