The 2022 Lyndenhurst from Spottswoode was aged 20 months in 48% new French oak, blending fruit from the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard with selections from Carneros, Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, and St. Helena. The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend is rounded out by 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Ripe black cherry, leather, liquorice, and cedarwood leap from the glass, while super-suave tannins are neatly stacked, providing structure and finesse. Savoury dried violets intertwine with black olive and cherry pit, leading to a long, bright finish infused with blood orange acidity—a harmonious and refined expression with depth and energy.

Very fruity and generous, bursting with cherries, blackberries and raspberries on the nose, and creamy blueberries and strawberries on the palate. Toast, cedar and savory nuances come out with more sips. Full-bodied, long and rich. Rather soft tannins. Drink or hold.

The second wine of this flagship estate, the 2022 Lyndenhurst has beautiful darker currants, spicy wood, cedar, and tobacco-like nuances to go with a medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant style on the palate. It’s drinking nicely today yet should evolve gracefully over the coming decade.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2022 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon prances out with opulent notes of powdered cinnamon, sandalwood, and potpourri, giving way to a core of crème de cassis, candied violets, and mint tea. The medium-bodied palate coats the mouth with black fruit preserves and exotic spices flavors, framed by a racy line and lightly chewy tannins, finishing with a minty kick.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is a very classy wine. Silky and aromatic, this is all finesse. Sweet floral top notes meld into spice, rose petal, lavender and new leather. More than anything else, the 2022 impresses with its gracious personality. This is a very pretty and complete Lyndenhurst. The blend is approximately 60% purchased and 40% estate fruit. One of the recent developments here has been the addition of sites in cooler regions such as Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll that ripen later and are therefore somewhat protected from the heat. That paid off significantly in 2022. - Antonio Galloni