2006 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon

There are about 500 cases of the 2006 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc that sees about 70% new oak. It offers up beautiful supple tannins as well as notes of spring flowers interwoven with blue and black currants, and lead pencil shavings. This medium to full-bodied, lush red should age nicely for 10 years. Spottswoode Vineyard is one of Napa’s most well-known landmarks, and its winemaking team, owner Beth Novack, and assistants Rosemary Cakebread and Jennifer Williams, represents a trifecta of talented young women. When the history of Napa’s great vineyards is written, the 40-acre Spottswoode Vineyard, tucked behind the quaint town of St. Helena, will be counted among the finest grand cru vineyards of the region. These wines have always been good, but over the last decade, the quality has soared, no doubt because of a much more strict selection in the vineyard as well as in the winery. A very fine second wine, Lyndenhurst, has also been introduced, which has increased the quality of the flagship offering, the Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. Like Bordeaux’s top chateaux, Spottswoode has gotten serious about turning out a very fine second wine that is softer and more accessible, yet represents their vineyard character. Tel. (707) 963-0134; Fax (707) 963-2886