Madson

Madson

Gamay 2023

Surprisingly tasty and complex, big fruit up front, ripe cherry, blackberry jam, violets, forest floor and a short finish — a year ago

Hallie Noecker
with Hallie

Madson

Ascona Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

My group did not like this wine - 8 tasters. But they are wrong and not used to whole cluster wines. This is very nice especially next day! Complex, touch eucalyptus, orange peel, dark tart cherry, touch cardamom, hint mint, very tannic at the moment. Lacks a little bit of weight. — 2 years ago

Tom, Lyle and 4 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

Dunno what vintage this is but Cole makes great bleep and has a deft touch with Burgundian varietals. The Syrah regimen is solid but needs some detail. Like this vineyard's spice and depth of place/terroir. A producer to keep an eye on.
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Ok sorry will add the vintage when back.

Madson

Ascona Vineyard Syrah 2021

John Howard
9.2

Another nice and stemmy syrah from these guys. — 3 years ago

Douglas, Daniel P. and 14 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

@John Howard winemaker Cole is killing it with the chards, Syrahs and Pinots. Winery even threw out a Cab/Cab Franc/Nebbiolo blend that was phenomenal for the price two or so vintages past (haven’t seen in in a few years). Love that Ascona Vineyard stuff. Had a “wowzers!” Arey Vineyard chard two years ago that really went places. Fairly under the radar-for now-and still underpriced and that’s fine with me but it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches up.
John Howard

John Howard Influencer Badge

@vinokeeno totally. We actually live right by Ascona and our friends live there and manage the Vineyard. Beautiful spot.

Madson

Pet Nat Sangiovese Zinfandel Rosé

It’s Pet Nat season and it seems like everyone in California is making one these days. This Zin & Sangio refresher from Madson (Santa Cruz Mountains) has quickly become a favorite of mine. Smells like geraniums. Mouthwatering acidity, ripe peach, watermelon rind, guava. The fruit and florals are just so pretty, vibrant and distinctive. Pairs perfectly with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and light curry. — 5 years ago

Josh, Mike and 3 others liked this

Madson

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2014

2024 vintage. Light-medium/medium body. Sandalwood, dried orange citrus peels, clove with a sangria splash. Front/mid palates pretty and somewhat delicate/precious. 2.27.26. — 4 months ago

Ted, Andrew and 8 others liked this

Madson

Vin Jaune Chardonnay 2017

Balanced rich and perfect oxidation. Acidity and palate lasts — 2 years ago

Madson

Santa Barbara County Chenin Blanc 2022

John Howard
8.9

Good wine. Weird mid palate. A chenin made like a burg. — 2 years ago

Doug, Scott@Mister and 5 others liked this

Madson Wines

Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2022

2022 vintage. Low, 12.2% abv. Tasted like there might be a little something else in there besides SB but dunno for sure. A little ripe but pleasantly different. From Arroyo Grande Valley. 6.14.22. — 3 years ago

Ray, Bob and 9 others liked this

Madson

Ascona Vineyard 2021

2021 Ascona Vineyard Pinot Noir: Bright & flavorful, youthful & fresh. Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Trixie liked this

Madson

Arey Vineyard Chardonnay

2019 vintage. Back to the Grand Cru Chablis body and finish. Light-medium bod. Pear, green and red delicious apple and lime on the finish. Hint of creaminess vs butteriness with the light oak footprint. — 4 years ago

Aaron, Ted and 5 others liked this

Madson

Les Enfants des Nuages Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

Cool climate PN from CA. A subtle study of beauty and of balance. — 6 years ago

Lyle liked this

Madson

Little Cloud Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Shay A
9.4

@Delectable Wine : This is the Madson little cloud vineyard Pinot Noir. I didn’t see it in the database.

Here I am a few days later still thinking about this wine…asking myself why I’ve never heard of this producer? Why aren’t these wines more common? Most importantly, when can I get more?

13.3%ABV; 100% whole cluster; 1 barrel (20 cases); 70% Little Cloud Vineyard, 30% Savaria Vineyard

It’s not common these days to have a domestic wine catch me off guard due to exposure across wine platforms, tasting groups, reading/research, etc, so I had no expectation of this wine. When I poured it in the glass, the translucent ruby color and the smell of whole cluster snapped me to attention real quick. Aromatics of cranberries, green herbs, violets, fresh potpurri fill the glass immediately. It drinks like the old Calera Jensen Pinots of 15+yrs ago…feral, crunchy, stemmy, bright, electric acidity but so much power carrying through to a wonderful finish of spiced rhubarb.

I don’t seek out many Pinot producers (especially Cali ones) but I’m going down the rabbit hole with this one.
— a year ago

Dave, Tom and 21 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

@Shay A and if I hadda pick one California Pinot to rule them all... it would definitely/unequivocally be Calera Jensen.
Norman

Norman Premium Badge

Usually don’t like stemy but will need to check it out.
James K

James K

Thanks for the detailed reviews! You peaked my curiosity, so now I’m going to order some bottles to try.

Madson

Toyon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

Almost German in style but with a bit more body. No fruit, but earth, mushrooms, a pleasant animal note and some red clay and spice. — 3 years ago

Madson

Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2021

John Howard
9.2

@vinokeeno exactly. Very nice. — 3 years ago

Douglas, Daniel P. and 14 others liked this

Madson

Pinot Noir 2020

Burgundy style with a touch of natural Funk which is not bad, below that is gravel and red brambly fruit.  — 4 years ago

Madson

Toyon Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Killing it. Encapsulating that Santa Cruz Mtns vibe perfectly which is hard to do. Deliciously mineralesque with a racy streak. — 5 years ago