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 — 17 days 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, — 18 days ago

Ashraf Attal

9.2

Yasmine’s family — 21 days ago

Matthew Doty

9.1

2022 vintage. A mature, smooth, complex CS — 2 months ago

Ron R

9.3

Celebrating the day when fathers can reflect on what’s next with their families and children. Carpe Diem! — 16 days ago

with Anne-marie

Jay Kline

9.3

I was given the responsibility of opening and serving this bottle to the guests of a 40th birthday celebration. From double-magnum. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2005 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly desiccated fruit: cassis, blackberry, black plum, tobacco, leather, Pablano pepper, vanilla, earth, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This wine, from this format is in a really lovely spot. Drink now through 2035. — a month ago

Neil Valenzuela

8.9

Deep purple color. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice and oak. Black fruit on the palate, blueberries and nice tannins on the finish. — 2 months ago

Robin Bundy

9.3

Nice smooth finish without all the sweetness. A day of reflection. Trying to be thankful for all the little things. — 17 days 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. — 23 days ago

Jerry Raphael

9.2

OMG, berries, veg but so much going on with Booze Bros week at my beach house. Need to get some cash to buy Bordeaux again — a month ago