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 — 15 days ago

David Peritz

10

This winery continues to produce some fantastic wines year after year. A rich supple mouthful of the good things that time talent and patience will reveal. — 18 days ago

Antonio Cepeda Jr.

9.6

Simply spectacular! — 14 hours ago

with Mariel

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. — 7 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. — 18 days ago

Jason Phillips

9.1

Dark ruby with purple edges. Great nose, full bodied, good oak. — 3 days ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.2

This 5+ year vintage is nicely balanced. On the classic California Cab style side, it paired very well with steak on the grill. June 2025. — 21 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See previous Delectable notes. The colour is dark Ruby red. Floral aromatics of violets and rose petals - a note of cracked pepper in this cooler vintage in a cooler terroir to begin with. Medium bodied with great concentration, persistence and length on the palate with red fruits, touches of meat and pepper. Gives up palate weight for those superb aromatics. My kind of wine (look at previous Delectable notes). — 5 hours 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. — 18 days ago

Joaquin Martinez

8.9

Incredible! Tannic, fruit, great aromas and it opens up minute by minute. — 6 days ago