2005 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
Food pairing: Cashel blue cheese soufflé
Though we covered the whole "green thing" last month, it would be difficult to talk about Spottswoode winery and the ladies who run it without talking about their nature-loving ways. If there's one humble phrase you hear a lot when speaking with the Novak women of Spottswoode, it's "stewards of the land." This family counts themselves truly lucky to take care of this special piece of property, if only for a few generations, and as such they see it as their duty to take good care of their little corner of the earth. They've been farming their vineyards organically since 1985, earning their California Certified Organic Farmers certification in 1990.And their list of earth-friendly practices approaches a mile in length. They use solar power and cover crops to attract pests away from the vines rather than spraying pesticides and fertigation (the application of organic fertilizers via irrigation). Their vineyard map legend details spots throughout the vines where olive trees, beehives, insectaries, bird and owl boxes and chicken coops are housed. In a few words, they're concerned with the health of their land, and they seem to have fun maintaining a healthy biodiversity on the property. While Spottswoode is best known for their namesake proprietary bottling, their Lyndenhurst bottling is named for one of the former titles of the property, and pays homage to the heritage of the site. Delicious aromas of dark roasted coffee and brambly black fruit give way to a mouthful of ripe plums, chocolate and dark cherries on the palate. A fun, classy effort from some fun, classy ladies.
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