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! — 8 hours ago

Paul K

9.3

So consistent, so good. — 8 days ago

Brian Hearty

9.3

2007. Big, rich, dark fruits and oak! Great on its own, but I liked the Red Cap a little better. — 6 months ago

Jason Gelman

9.1

My first opportunity to try Togni. A beautiful style. Rustic, pure, and well integrated. Enjoyed the fine tannins and fruit flavor. Delicate and high quality. — 18 days ago

Bowman Givhan

8.9

Crockett’s wine; very oaky — 5 days ago

Jason Phillips

8.9

Spicy with lots of pepper with a hint of smoke. — 6 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. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1979 vintage. Last tasted 8.15.25 (9.4) and 7.15.25 (9.4). Decanted and tasted after 15 minutes. Still giving and surprisingly filled with life. Forced, begrudging retirement but still über-active and outpacing every senior member in your zip code...er...cellar. Just won the yearly Pickleball tourney-again. Suck it, neighbor. 12.10.25. — 14 days ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon, honey, peach, oak and hints of almond. Great acidity and balance. — 5 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 — 6 months ago