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 — 14 days ago

Taylor Brody

10

Fantastic wine. Had it in Jackson with the daughter. 10/10 — a month ago

Eric Grasser

9.3

Really explosive black flavors of cassis, berry and graphite. Maybe a tad fruit forward and less tannin than I expected and desire. Complimented with mountain rocks, leather and pine needle. But showing great at 9 years. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2022 vintage. This blew the doors off the 2022 Spring Mtn District cab and the 2022 Rattlesnake cab. That doesn't happen often for Napa merlots. 06.11.25. — 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. — 17 days ago

K

9.3

Red berries, light-bodied, medium tannin.
Elegant Loire red — 2 months 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. — 6 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. — 17 days ago

Herb Listen

9.5

Estes. Bird and Jim Cheryl’s birthday May 28, 2025 — a month ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

A little muted on the nose, no noticeable vanilla or spicy notes from oak, lemon curd. Lovely crystalline texture and taste on the palate, just tasting fruit grown in the sun with a creamy foundation, well crafted in an obviously difficult year. #napavalley #chardonnay — 3 months ago