| Region of production: | St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley |
| Winery Location: | St. Helena |
| Year Established: | 1982 |
Vineyard Holdings
16 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Approximately 90-100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Inaugural vintage 1982.
- Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Inaugural vintage 2002.
- Field Book Syrah: Sourced from Griffin’s Lair Vineyard. Inaugural vintage 2010.
Average Total Production
- Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: 30,000 bottles
- Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon: 9,000- 12,000 bottles
- Sauvignon Blanc: 36,000 bottles
- Field Book Syrah: 1,500 bottles
Summary
Spottswoode’s name dates to 1910, when the family of Albert Spotts purchased a St. Helena grape-growing estate originally planted to vine in 1882, and renamed it in his honor. The vines survived Prohibition; Spottswoode sold grapes to Christian Bros. for sacramental winemaking during that era and to the St. Helena Wine Cooperative for decades afterward. In 1972, Dr. Jack and Mary Novak purchased the estate and replanted the vineyard the following year. In 1977, Jack Novak died. Mary, with the help of her children, completed Spottswoode’s first harvest after replanting, but sold all of the estate’s fruit. In 1982, the modern winery was founded, and produced its first vintage of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Tony Soter (Chappellet, Etude) made the wines from the inaugural vintage through 1991, honing the estate’s trademark style of ripe, rich Cabernet – a true expression of the valley floor. The estate has practiced organic farming since 1985. Mary and children Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak manage the estate today; Aron Weinkauf is winemaker.
Style & Vinification Techniques
The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is typically aged for 18-20 months in 60-70% new French oak.
Producer Website: Spottswoode Winery