2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is regal. Just starting to show aromatic complexity and openness, the 2013 is so impressive. Black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice, incense and dried herbs all build in the glass. The 2013 possesses remarkable depth and muscle, with all the tannic heft that is such a signature of the year. There's a bit more oak influence in the 2013 than there is today, but it works within the style of the wine and vintage. This heady Cabernet packs a serious punch.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, like many 2013s, is still dense, concentrated, and powerful, with an almost gangly style that needs another 5-7 years of bottle age (I wouldn’t turn down a bottle today). Lots of ripe black fruits, cassis, chocolate, and graphite as well as a hint of mint define the nose, and it’s full-bodied, with a stacked mid-palate, building yet sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s loaded with potential but needs bottle age.
One of the most classic examples of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon I could imagine is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Spottswoode. This blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot is a truly heavenly, classic wine built for the ages. Offering beautiful notes of black and blue fruits, graphite, exotic spices, violets and spring flowers, with a touch of earthy, damp river rock-like minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, stunning purity of fruit, perfect balance, building tannin, and a great, great finish. While a number of 2013s have closed down at this point, this still offers beautiful freshness and purity, yet will ideally be given another 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoyed over the following 3-4 decades. Do you want a sure bet in awesome, age-worthy Cabernet from northern California? Buy this wine.
Aromas of crushed blackcurrant, graphite, wheat toast and clove introduce a wine bursting with crunchy, crisp fruit; savoury tannins and juicy acidity make this Lyndenhurst both drinkable and sophisticated. Surely Spottswoode's best to date, and a compelling wine in its own right.