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 — 25 days ago

Noah Chasin

9.3

Really special bottle nearly sabotaged by the waiter’s feeble attempts at coping with the cork. Stellar and refined, still not really at its peak after three hrs but sublime. Would love to drink a bottle over a couple of days. Winemaker evidently says that the bottles take a minimum of 30 yrs to come to maturity. First bottling was 1982! — 4 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on January 10, 2025 at Tom’s House with Tom]

Jerusalem Hill vineyard is in Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Raspberry and red currant fruit, with earth, minerality and spice. — 3 years ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Some orange/brickish color on the edge, shows dark fruit aromas and flavors, plenty of balancing acidity, just the slightest bit of astringent tannin in the finish, mature but at peak, lovely aged Oregon Pinot Noir, kudos to Mark Vlossak!! — 18 days ago

with Jim

Patrick Loomis

9.4

Grippy tight and tannic at opening but softened into juicy plum and cranberry with graphite and soft tannins. Lovely. Drink now if you have any of the 96 left. — 3 months ago

J Greene

9.4

Classic. Treasure found at the local wine shop for a deal. Beautiful Napa cab nose full of blue/darkfruit. You notice the blend on the palate - cab franc, petit verdot, merlot and a bit of malbec. Just really well put together. Going to venture out and get more tomorrow. — 5 months ago

with Paul

Richard Baum

9.5

Tried at James Suckling — 25 days 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

Doug Powers

9.0

[70% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon] Medium-dark ruby, faint bricking at edge, I mostly get the Cabernet, shows both its age and some heat (14.5% ABV), solid balance, medium-long finish, good Barossa Shiraz-Cab blend! — 4 months ago

with Jim

Shana B

9.7

This has aged. So well. Where can I get more? — 8 months ago