2013 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Review Online, Rich Cook

Oh my! If you know Spottswoode, you’ve probably already got your order in for this, the less expensive of their two Cabernet bottlings. If you don’t know them, here’s an insider tip: in my view, they are one of California’s top producers, and this bottling is the best Lyndenhurst ever. It’s mostly estate fruit, and includes some supplemental fruit from other famed vineyards. It’s a ‘wow’ bottle from a ‘wow’ vintage, and it’s a value price for a wine of its quality. It’s made to be approachable in its youth, but you’d be wise to tuck some away—there’s real structure and beauty here, with grand elegance promised in the future. Bravo! 96 points. (December 13, 2016)

JancisRobinson.com, Jancis Robinson

Dark crimson. Tobacco leaf notes on the nose. Dry and appetizing on the end but nothing too sweet nor too alcoholic. Lots of savour—so different from the Napa Valley norm. Complex. Dry finish. For food! 17+/20 points (November 7, 2016)

Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide, Virginie Boone

This wine employs 73% Spottswoode Estate Vineyard fruit, but also ventures to other sites, including Young Inglewood, Oakville Ranch and Darms Lane. Dusty cedar, blackberry and pencil shavings dot a structured, classically stylized landscape, additionally seasoned in black pepper and clove. It has length for miles; enjoy best 2023 through 2033. 95 points Cellar Selection (February 2017)

JamesSuckling.com, James Suckling

Fantastic aromas of blueberry, blackberry, violets, black licorice and stones. Full-bodied, firm, silky, and fresh. Very long and balanced. Beautiful tannins. All in harmony. Drink in 2019. 96 points (January 19, 2016)

Vinous.com, Antonio Galloni

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is dark, pliant and supple, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Sweet red plum, tobacco, cedar and leather add shades of aromatic nuance. The 2013 finishes with a good bit of brightness, but what stands out most is how the tannins have softened over the last year. 91 points (December 2016)

Zinfandel Chronicles, Tom Lee

Lyndenhurst is primarily sourced from the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard although a few other vineyards figure in the mix as well in 2013. Purple in color. 13.9% ABV. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sublime nose of black fruits, violets and licorice. Complex, fresh and silky. Medium body with impeccable balance. Black cherries, currants and a touch of cassis on the palate. The finish is fantastic with grainy tannins. Drink over the next 6-8 years. 94 points (November 23, 2016)

The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker

One of the iconic wineries of Napa Valley, their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst, a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is softer, less prodigious wine than the flagship wine from their estate in St. Helena. This wine exhibits a nice, healthy, dark ruby/purple color, a sweet nose of black cherries and blackcurrants and Margaux-like finesse in a medium-bodied, supple and seductive style. Drink it over the next decade. 89 points (December 2015)

The Tasting Panel, Anthony Dias Blue

Silky and loaded with bright, elegant plum and cassis fruit; fresh, youthful and quite lovely; subtle notes of vanilla oak and classic structure. 94 points (February 2017)