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 — a month ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Light yellow in color with a golden hue.

Strong nose of yellow apples, light cedar, fresh apricots, light toasted nuts and spices.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with limes, apples, grapefruits, bitter herbs, light earth, honey, spices and white pepper.

Long finish with lemons and light herbs.

This young Chardonnay from Napa Valley is drinking beautifully right out of the bottle. Elegant, rich and tasty. Nicely balanced and fruit forward.

Juicy and entertaining, with light oak notes to compliment the fruits. Spicy and refreshing. Complex and engaging, and better when not too cold.

I had a few vintages of this wine, and it always delivers. This vintage seems to be much more approachable young. Will continue to age nicely in the next 7 years.

Good by itself or with food. I paired it with a beautiful day by the pool.

100% Chardonnay grapes were aged in (50% new) French Oak barrels for 10 months.

14% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$45. — 5 months ago

Bob Boyle

9.2

On the pour nose of wax and pear, swirl adds wet stones, body full with notes of , pear, lemon rind and minerals with a caressing of the tongue yielding a medium long finish — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2005 Blanc pours a deep straw color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and tart orchard fruit: grapefruit, Meyer lemon, verbena, crème brûlée, honeysuckle, some pyrazines, a touch grassy, and warm wet rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the fruit comes across a touch more round (vintage playing role) but the acid is definitely giving more than adequate lift. The finish is long. The texture is viscous. Drink now through 2035. — a month ago

Martijn

9.1

I see here the scores and cannot believe we are talking about the same wine.
This is a fantastic true to type new world Cab S. When you love it big this is your wine. We want more! We want more! — 3 months ago

Jocholla

9.5

Earthy, blue fruit, smoked pork, olive brine, more alcohol on the nose than I recall, nice cigar smoke, dark ruby almost purple yet bright still, terroir driven with a sense of place. I feel like royalty with every sip. — 8 months ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Clean apple and peach notes, some oaky/resinous funk. After an hour hints of matchstick and toast occur.
Very Nice.

Gaining complexity and depth after extended aeration. Up a notch, — a month ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.3

Very peculiar spectrum of aromas. Freshly cutted pineapple and pear. White peach and grapefruit. Very nice and long finish.
A bit flex on the mid palate but lingering pleasant finish — 3 months ago

Mike Evans

9.2

Good but a little woody and ripe for my preferences. — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot aged in 20% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry, herbs and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry & currant with notes of pepper, tobacco & cacao notes. Soft rich full tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy and mineral character, needs a little more time. — 8 months ago