I love the historic houses of the Napa Valley. One unique house absolutely known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling wines, Smith-Madrone sources from their dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. The soil is mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, and is primarily volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The estate is a 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago. California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here as did 120-year-old Picholine olive trees which frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley.
I adored the new 2019 Smith-Madrone Cabernet (OB, 93) which shows serious poise and lovely herbal accents. Concentrated and showing great aging potential, this beauty will cellar well for decades. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://www.smithmadrone.com Here are the great new releases from Smith-Madrone.
2021 Smith-Madrone Rose- Very brightly colored, the 2021 Smith-Madrone Rose offers a soft texture with ripe raspberry and candied cherry on the palate. Citrus rind and stony accents complete this beautiful new Rose that is best served on the warmer side. Drink 2022-2026- 90
2019 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon- Beautiful and elegant, the 2019 Smith-Madrone cabernet Sauvignon shows off red bell pepper with anise, black currants and pencil lead notes on the nose. The palate is fleshy and ripe with great acidity. With more air tobacco leaf and worn leather notes emerge, as this is beautiful to consume now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 93