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 — a month ago

Bill Mowry

9.0

Medium bodied with dark violet color I double decanted the wine and it surprisingly still seemed young after seven years. More Cab Franc (18%) in this vintage blend than some of the others it was smooth and subtle with cocoa, fig, and blueberry. Paired well with BBQ St. louis ribs. — 21 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. Last year's vintage more than justified the pricing. This one, not so much. 06.11.25. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

A classic Coonawarra Cabernet nose of mint, herbs, blackberry and leafiness. Very vibrant and energetic for a 15 year old wine. Most of that carrying through to the medium to full bodied palate. One of the icons of the Australian wine scene, first produced in 1954 and one of the most collected wines in Australia. Very underpriced for its quality and pedigree. I might leave my last bottle for 5 years in its 20th year. It will easily travel the journey. — 4 days ago

Rob N

9.5

I love this cab bc so many of the notes are classic but the rannins are low. $160, RP 95 points. — 15 days ago

Ed Thomas

10

Still young. Years to go ! — 17 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2022 vintage. Good, not great. The 2021 with more intensity/grip and life. 06.11.25. — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.6

Sweet dried redfruits and oak aromas, soft tannins, sweet fruit on palate as well, very fine acidity and depth, seems close to fully mature, but should last 3-5 years at least, kudos to Patrick Campbell, who made a lot of outstanding LG Cabernets back in the 1980s and 1990s, excellent Sonoma Mountain Cabernet!! — 23 days ago

with Jim

Henry Fuseler

9.0

6/2025. A mouthful. Tasty, bold and nice on the palate

Paired well with the lamb at Halls Chophouse. — 20 days ago

David Walser

9.4

Very enjoyable bottle of wine tonight. Screw cap held up well. — 17 days ago