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 — 5 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

8.9

Deep garnet with terracotta . Quite rich concentrated nose , slightly roasted spicy , oaky nose, cassis , dark plum , quite rich and dense. Slightly sweet on the palate , but with red plum , spiced orange rind , cassis , cacao . A bit alcoholic on the palate too. Quite rounded , but gritty tannins and just balanced acidity . Slightly Foursquare on the finish , with spiced cherry , cacao . Drink now and over the next 5 years or so . — 8 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Bright silver/gold color. Aromas of lemon candy, apple, white flowers and lime. Expressive flavors of lemon, tropical fruit, Granny Smith apple and peaches. Hint of fresh herbs on the medium-plus finish. Mouth watering acidity and excellent balance. Pleasant mouthfeel and aftertaste. So flavorful, bold and well crafted. Heard very good things about Trefethen Dry Riesling and I am glad I finally tried it. Unique Riesling style. — 9 months ago

Michael Phillips

9.0

Fruity ripe melons and soft and round a bargain at twice the price. — 2 years ago

Ethan Karas

9.2

Good w steaks — 3 years ago

Mary C

9.3

2018… delicious — 4 years ago

Mike Mayer

9.5

Dark garnet colored with a slight brick colored meniscus on the edges. Dark fruit, cedar, black olives and leather on the nose. Bold tastes of black plums, figs, cherry cola, and licorice wrapped in silky tannins and perfect acidity. A great finish. Kudos to my friend Steve Reynolds for making such an unbelievably great wine. This wine is not showing any signs of letting up. A true heavyweight Cabernet at a great price. — 6 years ago

with Lisa

Mark Mannebach

9.2

2004 tasting great. Black currant with soft tones of mineral/earth/wet stone. — 8 years ago

Nichelle Renk

9.0

Dinner with Mary Beth in Napa-complex can! — 9 years ago

with Mary Beth

Michael Smith

10

Woohoo!!! Super velvet...best cab I've had in a long time for $30. Smooth throughout would highly recommend. — 12 years ago

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. — 5 months ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Waaaayyy too young… — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

A Burgundian-styled Cab Sauv from the one of the most compelling Sub AVA of Napa mountains (Mayacamas) which has an amazing soil and solid influence from the Pacific. Crafted with an amazing balance of 68% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 5% and the rest to round it off its structure and age ability. The 2011 is still climbing to its peak. Enticing notes of dry red fruits on the nose and mouth, delicate, outstandingly silky and nearly perfect balance!
The finish shows its beauty. (if you find it, it won’t disappoint you) it will give the run for the money. — 8 months ago

Paul K

9.2

8 hours open in bottle with a glass poured. Still very young, but great fruit and much promise! — 10 months ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

9/2023. My dessert at Chive Blossom, Pawleys Island SC. Nice full flavor with good caramel. Not too sweet either. — 2 years ago

Vino Joe

8.9

Was hoping to like this but it was a solid if unmemorable CA Cab. Nothing much to say which is all I have to say…. — 3 years ago

Neal Ferry

8.9

Great... this bottle as been here at the office for 4-5 years....just about perfect in every way. It’s just about 5:30, time to quit working so hard today. — 5 years ago

with TwiLea

Rob Brobst III

9.3

Nice wine. It came to the party wearing a backpack, glasses and a hat with a mosquito net. — 8 years ago

with Jade and Paul

Björn Dinges

9.2

Super year — 11 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. — 5 months ago

David Walser

9.5

I bought some corked bottles and some screw cap bottles. This is for the corked one. At 13 years old it’s tasting great! I’m expecting the screw caps to be just as good. — 6 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.1

Beautiful and light on its feet. Dry - very well made! Fantastic fruit. Very fresh. Honey. Meyer lemon, mandarine, just a faint touch of 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN) aka Diesel. Touch bitter on the back palate. As a chemist i just had to bring this up. At 24 suns in Oceanside. 2 Michelin Chefs cooking. Grab this bargain before it is gone!!!!!! — 8 months ago

Abbas Zand

8.9

Strawberry, raspberry aromas.
Light red color. Fruity, Jammy raspberry and cola flavors w/ nicely balanced acidity. Not oaky.
Good overall.
$27 — 9 months ago

Federico Politi

10

Mamma mia … — 10 months ago

Bobbi Jo Broxson

9.4

For a limited time, red meat Friday is back - surf & turf style. Decanted 2 hours. Smooth with a hint of underbrush. — 2 years ago

with Brian

Paul J

9.4

1hr plus decant. Dark red color. Cassis and dark fruit on the palate. Very sweet, like candy in a glass. Huge depth. Different style than most Napa Cabs but who doesn’t like candy! — 4 years ago

with Brooke and Geoff

Steve S.

9.3

Darkest ruby red color. Full of black currants, black berries, dark red cherries and plums. Hints of chocolate and burned wood. — 6 years ago

Tobin Trevarthen

9.2

Dark Ruby. Lovely aromatics, violets, roses, flower garden that blossomed into a nice layered flavor trove of chocolate dipped cherry and toasted cinnamon stick. Perfect compliment to a NY Strip. — 7 years ago

Merrilee Kimble

9.0

Refreshing summer/picnic sparkling. Good bubble structure and light on the pallet — 8 years ago

Marcia Robinson

9.4

Very creamy - had at Barbuto — 11 years ago