Spring Vale Vineyards
Smith Madrone
Estate Bottled Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Pewsey Vale Vineyard
Individual Vineyard Selection Eden Valley Dry Riesling 2021
Mollydooker Wines
Carnival of Love McLaren Vale Shiraz 2010
As you can see from my previous Delectable notes I normally drink Mollydooker reds, particularly Carnival of Love, on cold nights in Winter. This certainly worked. Aromatics of black plum and other black fruits. The palate is ripe, sweet and full bodied - quite thick and textured. Has come together somewhat after 15 years but still a very powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz. Jeb Dunnuck’s comment of “full bore and hedonistic “ sums it up. This was the #2 wine in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2012. — 7 days ago
Marston Family Vineyard
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Fantastic wine. Had it in Jackson with the daughter. 10/10 — 23 days ago
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Estes. Bird and Jim Cheryl’s birthday May 28, 2025 — 18 days ago
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Elivette Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015
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! — 8 days ago
Dow's
Vale do Bomfim Douro Red Blend 2020
Touriga Nacional (40%), Touriga Franca (20%), Tinta Roriz (30%), Tinta Barroca (10%). Medium to deep purple. Medium body, medium tannin at most, medium acidity, dry. Some slight funk on the nose, in a very good way. Wet rocks, violets, light baking spices. Better after open for a day. Benchmark Duero for what I can find in the US so far. — 21 days ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
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 day ago