2012 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon

Despite some exception in other vintages, the 2012 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst is made entirely from one grape variety only: Cabernet Sauvignon. Luckily surviving the devastating fires in 2017, Spottswoode Estate has made a name for itself over the years as one of the top wineries in the United States. And Cabernet Sauvignon is its signature.

Novak’s family, the owners of the estate, are very methodic in the way they nurture the soil: this particular approach is believed to be one of the ingredients for their wines’ success. They practice sustainable soil maintenance, in order to preserve the terroir of the area for future generations: planting cover crops, such as peas, clover and oats every fall to enrich the soil and significantly reduce tillage, or replanting native California grasses are among the common practices at the estate.

Alongside fruity elements like red and blackberry, the 2012 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon displays hints of leather, mint and black pepper. We see this wine as very “meaty”, perfectly paired with beef steaks, burgers or stews, perhaps during a Sunday roast or a smart dinner party.