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 — 2 days ago

Kate

9.1

Block 296. Deep purple. Earthy. Dry. Dark fruit. Just opened it. May open up to be lighter. — a month ago

Paul J

9.8

This was crazy!!! 1hr+ decant. Dessert in a glass. Dark red/purple color. Candied blue and black fruit dominate. Hints of cedar and a touch of coffee on the end. Wow!! — 2 months ago

with Brooke

Paul K

9.4

Got more coming so popped this to check on progress. Needed three hours and closed nature let cab franc show. Much different than the 2015 cab from memory. Should continue to improve! — 9 days ago

David Walser

9.5

I bought some corked bottles and some screw cap bottles. This is for the corked one. At 13 years old it’s tasting great! I’m expecting the screw caps to be just as good. — a month ago

John Hagood

9.0

Chez Cybulski 4/19/2024, from Wrightsville Beach. Blissful nose carries one to California perfection. — 2 months 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. — 5 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. — 5 days ago

Jan A

9.5

Really looked forward to this one, but a little bit too rich to warrant higher score. Missing the acidity/tension a bit.
Edit: and it was served too warm.. — a month ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Waaaayyy too young… — 2 months ago