Jan de Weerd

9.0

We had the battle of the Shiraz at our family gathering over Christmas. A Shiraz from South Australia and South Africa. Both 2016. This Shiraz, despite from the Adelaide Hills where I think it is a little cooler, was very rich, very bold and broad and a slight jammy note on the edge perhaps. People liked it, but all the votes when for the Shiraz of Cederberg from South Africa. Fun!!! — 11 days ago

with Tammy

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pale yellow in colour. A good combination of citrus and stonefruit on nose and palate. Slightly saline at the finish. This Chardonnay is a leading Australian Chardy made at their HQ in the Adelaide Hills. Barb and I first tried the 2019 at a structured tasting at the winery on 31/3/21. We were hugely impressed. This is my last bottle from the home cellar. I restock my cellar most vintages with the M3 Chardonnay. Their Chardonnay from the Lenswood Vineyard is also very good. — 3 months ago

Severn G

9.4

1992 | Red Blend
Smith Woodhouse & CA.; Late Bottled Vintage
Oporto, Portugal
(93-95; Drink 2017-32+)

In a perfect spot for a well cared/stored for LBV; bought on release with more of its friends just coming out from hiding finally. — 5 months ago

Ming L

9.4

The petrol note is pronounced, yet beautifully integrated. Citrus and tropical tones emerge on the nose, joined by a faint wisp of smoke. The palate has Viognier-like texture, lending weight and shape, while bright, clean-cut acidity is balanced by just a touch of residual sweetness.

It’s puzzling that Napa Valley can produce Riesling of this caliber! — 13 days ago

Mary Perrotta

9.3

Light sweet and crisp more of a spring time wine than a fall but would definitely get again! — 2 months ago

Tom Garland

9.1

Pop and pour. A splendid light straw color. On the nose: subtle notes of lemon, grass, Asian pear, brioche. Taste: lean, chalky wine with lemon, grapefruit, minerals, and a sour lime finish. Works with all the fresh fish tonight. — 4 months ago

with Brenda

KP

9.8

Vibrant color. Wow, it’s like the Little Red Riding-hood porridge of wine. Not too dry, bold, acidic, long, short or tannic. Just right! Absolutely delicious. Would absolutely buy again and one of the best wines I’ve had in a long time. — a month ago

Joan Ziegler

9.3

Excellent! Enjoyed in our backyard on a warm Saturday night — 2 months ago

Douglas Braun

9.0

This is out of a 375 nice currants and dark fruit cocoa powder , soft powerful tannins. — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

After reading the story of this producer, I inspired to try it. Especially, at $59.99 for a quality Napa Cabernet. These two brother’s are true pioneers of the Napa Valley. They do their own thing. Don’t follow trends and are not aggressive with their bottle price, nor do they really wish to. More rare than common in today’s Napa Cabernet market. I have a lot of respect for that and Napa Pioneers.

This also drinks pretty well for a young Napa Cabernet. I was expecting bigger/bolder based on write up. Not that this won’t benefit from cellaring.

The fruits are nicely ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries & blueberry hues. I was expecting more teeth. Think it is showing the finesse & balance of most 21’s I’ve had. Dark spice, grilled meats, light black pepper, barrel dust, dry tobacco, leather, savory herbaceousnes, moist clays, dry crushed rocks, cola, flower bouquet of red, blue & purple fresh flowers, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, softly structured, elegant finish that lasts just over a minute and lands crushed rocks and touch of spice.

It will be interesting to see if this shows more in 5 years.

Photos of; Smith Madrone vineyards and brothers Stuart and Charles Smith — 7 months ago