Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst, Spottswoode Estate 2021

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. Drink between 2023-2038.

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. 2024-2038.

Full bottle 1,321 g. 20th-anniversary vintage. Notably lower alcohol than most. 79.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.6% Merlot, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.9% Malbec. 2,897 cases produced. Shaded crimson. Beautifully harmonious nose with a bit more interest than most of its peers. Lifted aroma and very ripe, well-managed tannins. Bone dry – but not drying – finish. Super-appetising wine for the table. Nimble, light-footed wine that’s very different from the norm.