($85):  I suppose you could call Spottswoode’s Lyndenhurst their second wine.  The grapes used to make it come from their vineyards, presumably those that don’t make the cut for their flagship Spottswoode Cabernet, along with purchased fruit.  The incredible quality of this wine shows just how fabulous a producer Spottswoode is.  It also reminds us that, in the right hands, Napa Valley is THE place for Cabernet Sauvignon.  This Cabernet (the blend, for those interested, is Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, 3% each, Malbec and Merlot 2% each) is simply stunning.  Layered, long and with a luxurious texture, it delivers a magical combination of herbal and dark fruit flavors that are in perfect harmony.  This is not an overblown or flamboyant wine.  It’s graceful and polished.  Delightful now, I predict it will evolve and develop beautifully with bottle age because of its impeccable balance.  I also predict that if you buy more than a single bottle and taste it, you’ll likely drink your entire stash before you ever discover how it ages.
96 Michael Apstein Feb 6, 2018