2022 Spottswoode - Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Lyndenhurst (750ml)
2022 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley (750ml)
The 2022 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon from Spottswoode is the acclaimed second label from one of Napa Valley’s most storied family estates. Lyndenhurst honors the fragrant linden trees that still bloom in the Spottswoode Estate gardens, a detail that mirrors the wine’s elegant balance and nuanced aromatics. This wine reflects Spottswoode’s long-standing commitment to organic farming (CCOF since 1992) with Demeter Biodynamic Certification added in 2020, and it blends declassified barrels of Spottswoode fruit with grapes from other organically farmed Napa sites.
Winemaker: Aron Weinkauf crafts Lyndenhurst by combining fruit from the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard with selections from Carneros, Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, and St. Helena. The 2022 vintage was aged for 20 months in 48% new French oak, culminating in a wine that is both approachable upon release and capable of aging gracefully.
Wine Profile
- Final blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
- Vineyard sources: Spottswoode Estate, Carneros, Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, St. Helena
- Aging: 20 months in 48% new French oak
- Certifications: Organic (CCOF since 1992), Demeter Biodynamic (since 2020)
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Lyndenhurst presents fresh notes of crushed bramble, cassis, and red cherries, lifted by subtle hints of lavender, cedar, and spruce, with mineral nuance from wet slate that adds texture. The palate reveals ripe black cherry, leather, licorice, and cedarwood, all carried by suave, finely stacked tannins. Savory dried violets and black olive lead to a long, bright finish accented by blood orange acidity, giving the wine its signature balance of silkiness and subtle tension.
Why This Wine Stands Out
Although conceived to be more approachable than the flagship Estate Cabernet, Lyndenhurst shares the estate’s hallmark silkiness and finesse. The inclusion of Howell Mountain fruit contributes cooler-site brightness and structure, helping the wine remain poised as it evolves while offering immediate charm upon release.
Drinking Window
Drinking window: 2025 to 2040. Enjoy now through the mid-2020s with decanting, or lay down for a decade to uncover more layers as the wine evolves in the bottle.
Food Pairings & Serving Suggestions
- Best with hearty beef dishes: grilled ribeye with char, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or braised short ribs.
- Pairs nicely with game and mushroom dishes, such as venison with porcini or mushroom risotto, which echo the wine’s earthy nuances.
- Outstanding with aged cheeses (hard alpine cheeses or a richly flavored Gouda) that mirror its depth and tannic structure.