Accolades
Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon
The SOMM Journal, Meridith May
This wine combines estate fruit with grapes from many of Napa Valley’s high-profile sites. ‘Lyndenhurst’ was the former name of the Spottswoode property, where linden trees still stand tall; their notable aromas are easily recognized in this wine, whose notes of melted chocolate, white pepper, cherry, and blueberry are joyful in its youth. Juicy and opulent, it defines balance of power. ‘The phrase ‘balance of power’ is a juxtaposed ideology,’ noted Weinkauf. ‘But that’s the fine line we want to achieve.’ The oak is integrated so subtly it translates more as sandalwood and vanilla bean, curving and meandering through blue and red fruit. 96 points (October 2019)
Vinography, Alder Yarrow
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and black cherry and a touch of herbs. In the mouth, bright cherry and cola and tobacco leaf notes are gushing with fantastic acidity. Hints of cedar and earth rumble beneath the bright fruit. Delicious. Between 9 and 9.5/10 points (July 2019)
Jamessuckling.com, James Suckling
Attractive, fresh, violet-like flowers, roasting herbs and cassis, leading to a medium-to full-bodied palate that has a smoothly succulent resolve at the plum-soaked, velvety finish. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with touches of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and a dash of Malbec. Drink or hold. 94 points. (November 2018)
Wine Review Online, Rich Cook
Focus is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Aron Weinkauf’s work at Spottswoode. He is perfect for the winery’s ‘let’s do what we can do best, and let’s take it as far as we can’ philosophy. As vineyard manager and winemaker, Aron knows what’s possible from year to year, and he takes it as far as he can once again in this vintage of Lyndenhurst. There’s a sturdier structure here than the last few vintages, but it’s managed beautifully here, showcasing subtle mixed berry fruit that’s just starting to peek through a dense spice array. Give this a good decant before serving, and/or age some for a few years. 94 points (November 2019)
Wine.com, Wilfred Wong
The 2016 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautifully balanced and elegant wine. This wine is authentic with its aromas and flavors of red and black fruits. It’s dry, well-built, yet soft touch on the palate makes a superb candidate with a well-seasoned Porchetta. 93 points. (July 14, 2019)
Boozehoundz Blog, Michael Cervin
As you traverse through your wine life you realize there are a handful of producers who, over the course of your tasting their wines for years, perhaps decades, actually never seem to fail. Such is Spottswoode Winery in Napa Valley. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting their wines for years, meeting with winemaker Aron Weinkauf at their Napa Estate, and the truth is there is never a bad wine from their portfolio. Their secondary label, Lyndenhurst – a reference to the property being named such for a time back in the early 1900’s, provides the quality of the Spottswoode wines at a lesser cost. This is a seamless wine, embracing all the elements of great Cabernet, wood, fruit, acidity, soil and a deft touch of winemaking know-how. It is both elegant and gently aggressive. Comprised of Cabernet with small amounts of (in descending order) Petite Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It offers black cherry, black berry, light blueberry, rose water, sandalwood, raspberry, vanilla, cedar and a hint of tobacco. The tannins and acidity support the structure of the wine without compromising it. This is a wine that commands attention but not in a bellicose way, rather it nods and smiles at you from across the room, drawing you close for a personal conversation. 92 points (August 10, 2019)
Vinous, Antonio Galloni
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is plump, juicy and super-expressive. Readers looking for a 2016 Cabernet to drink now will find so much to enjoy in the Lyndenhurst. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, mocha, menthol and lavender are nicely pushed forward. Soft contours and silky tannins make the 2016 a real joy to taste. 91 points (January 10, 2020)
