2012 Spottswoode Offering
Spottswoode has been one of Napa Valley’s stalwart producers of quality Cabernet Sauvignon since its earliest years, and for the last decade or so has been quietly turning out elegant, refined, and even understated wines that represent everything that is good about Napa Cabernet. While other wineries have pushed the frontiers of ripeness, extraction, and new oak, Spottswoode seems to have simply stuck to its guns, and now represents a classic profile of Cabernet in the valley. The estate has been farmed organically since 1985 (fully certified in 1992) and is currently experimenting with many tenets of biodynamic viticulture. The winemaking takes an equally thoughtful and restrained approach, marked, in particular, by a limited use of new French oak (usually somewhere between 50 and 70 percent) for the winery’s estate Cabernet. The winery produces four wines: their estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sauvignon Blanc, a second label Cabernet named Lyndenhurst, and most recently, a Rhone style blend from Paso Robles fruit called Field Book. All are made in quite small quantities, with total production hovering somewhere around 6,000 cases of wine. Spottswoode’s wines aren’t plentiful, nor are they cheap, but their estate Cabernets are among the best that Napa has to offer. The Novak family is committed to producing wines that faithfully reflect their grape origins. Each Spottswoode wine is known for its refined elegance, balance, and classic structure. On offer this week are the two Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced by Spottswoode – both wines from the highly acclaimed 2012 vintage. As the reviews below attest, these are seriously good wines and are tremendous examples of the quality level that can be attained in California. Do NOT miss this opportunity. Both wines are in limited supply so please respond promptly. To order, please send me an e-mail or telephone our office at the number listed below. To your continued good health! Geoff Townsend The Small Winemakers Collection www.smallwinemakers.ca 416-463-7178 2012 Lydenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon $112.95 btl / $677.70 cs (case of 6 x 750ml) With its deep black core and garnet rim, this gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon entices with aromas of black cherry, orange zest and a touch of dust. On the palate, layers of cherry, zest and dark cocoa powder coat the mouth while a hint of fresh pine provides an appealing zing. Rich and full-bodied, this wine’s tannins provide a reassuring grip underneath their supple, velvety mouthfeel – an indication of age-worthiness and promise of evolving complexity with years of additional cellaring. Drink: Now – 2030+ Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, game meats Accolades: Loads of wet earth, autumn leaves, charcoal and black currants. Full body, firm tannins, gorgeous fruit and spice. Beautiful tannin and acid tension to this wine with a solid core of fruit to balance it. Better in 2019. 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. James Suckling, 95 points Bold, intense and racy, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndernhurst wraps around the palate with supple fruit, expressive aromatics and a silky, inviting finish that gives …