Varietals: 79.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.6% Merlot, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.9% Malbec
94+ Points The Wine Independent
Deep garnet in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of blackberry pie, plum preserves, and warm cassis followed by suggestions of roses, Indian spices, and menthol plus a waft of aniseed. The medium-bodied palate has impressive energy, with great tension and fine-grained tannins supporting the vibrant fruit, leading to a long and perfumed finish on this impressive wine.
94 Points Decanter
Spottswoode's 20th anniversary blend of its Lynderhurst bottling combines 79.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.6% Merlot, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.9% Malbec. Sourced from a number of sites throughout Napa Valley, aged 20 months in 35% new French oak. Though this is considered a second label of the estate, it is a fabulous wine in its own right. In 2021, it captures the powerfully compact tannin structure of the low-yielding vintage, matched by the savoury-spiced aromatics that are so prevalent in the best-made Cabernets of the year. Beautifully fragrant cranberry and cassis intermingle with dusty minerals, spearmint and sagebrush. Medium-bodied on entry, its upfront bright, red-berry fruit is juicy and showy until a wealth of robust chalky tannins overtakes everything and holds firm until resolving several seconds later with a cache of sweet brown baking spices, and candied violets.
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The second wine of this incredible estate, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst reveals a deep purple hue as well as a great nose of assorted currants, black cherries, tobacco, and lead pencil. It’s beautifully concentrated, has medium to full-bodied richness, and ripe tannins, all making for an undeniably delicious, classic, balanced Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the coming 10-15 years.
94 Points James Suckling
A juicy red with black currants and balsamic. Bark and mushroom. Iodine, too. Medium body, creamy texture that tightens at the end. An energy and firmness in the finish but remains so attractive. Savory. Hard not to drink now. So do, but will also age nicely.
93 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The non-estate 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst, like the estate bottling, is scheduled for release in September 2024. Including all five Bordeaux varieties and matured in 40% new French oak, it boasts classic scents of cassis, black cherries and some gentle cedary notes. It's medium to full-bodied, gently velvety but still firm, with a long, cool finish. It's more than $100 these days, but it still delivers a high-quality drinking experience.
92 Points Wine Spectator
A bright red, with a floral edge of iris and hibiscus that plays nicely with the red currant and cherry compote core. Brambly energy is buried on the finish, giving support and lending this an accessible feel. Drink now through 2035. 2,897 cases made.
Winemaker Notes
Aromas of black currants, dark red cherry coulis, cigar box, and allspice berries. Powerful yet soft tannins are balanced with a delightful freshness of acidity. The palate is silky with nuanced flavors of cassis, ripe blackberry, and Morello cherry.
