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 year ago

Kirt Boxell

9.5

I love the balance and intensity of this Chardonnay — 6 years ago

Michael Seely

9.0

Quite drinkable — 8 years ago

with Joe

Mike Davila

9.2

Better than I hoped for, would have been fun to taste blind. Drinking great, but ready to drink. — 10 years ago

Joseph Gauta

9.0

Rich, bold nose with black cherries all the way through. Love it — 10 years ago

Newport Hobo

9.6

Delicious - blackberry jam and spice. — 12 years ago

with Scott, Isabel and 1 other

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. Last year's vintage more than justified the pricing. This one, not so much. 06.11.25. — a year ago

Stuart Pollack

9.4

Powerful but elegant. Ready to drink now but leave it open at least one hour before consuming. Intense black fruit and coffee, smooth tannins in the finish. A steak wine. — a year ago

Robert Henalt

9.2

Crimson color medium body dark fruits with mild balanced tannins. Yum — 7 years ago

Michael Ochsner

9.2

Warm can, got it all. Boom. $20 btg wg — 8 years ago

Oscar Bonilla

9.3

Dark purple in color with notes of dark spices, licorice and blackberry. Well integrated tannins and will definitely benefit from ageing. — 9 years ago

Robert Rothfield

9.5

Favorite Howell Mtn cab — 10 years ago

Michael Retter

9.7

Great fruit. Soft tannins. Really well balanced. Great bottle of wine. — 12 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2022 vintage. Good, not great. The 2021 with more intensity/grip and life. 06.11.25. — a year ago

Sarah Blaker

10

Juicy and delicious — a year ago

Ted

9.3

I used to drink a lot of Andrew Will wines. Stumbled on this last week. More will be bought. Has some age to it that has softened the tannins. Black cherry and raspberry. Velvety smooth. — 2 years ago

with Jeni

Cody Short

9.2

Holding up great. — 9 years ago

Molly McNary

9.0

Good, but two bottles are preferred (@Ethan Karas) — 10 years ago

with Luke and Joe

Mike Kovacs

9.2

2012 vintage — 11 years ago

Mike Bloink

10

A delicious Cabernet off of Spring Mountain. Dense cherry and sweet vanilla are framed in French Oak with a supple lingering finish. You won't find this on at Binney's. — 14 years ago