Smith Madrone

Estate Bottled Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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 — 8 days ago

Daniel, Dawn and 10 others liked this

Ming L

Big fan of their Riesling!

Silver Oak

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Neil Valenzuela

9.4

Solid! Beautiful deep purple color. Aromas of blueberry, leather, black cherry cassis and cocoa. Amazing dark and blue flavors, very well balanced. — 8 days ago

Dave, Tom and 10 others liked this

Ron R

👀

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Tom Garland

9.3

Decant for sediment (lots of chunky/fine sediment) and pour. A stunning medium ruby red color with little signs of aging. On the nose: big inviting notes of dark fruit/currants, worn leather, herbaceous, smoked meat, funky earth, menthol. Taste: silky, evolved, expressive structure with brambly plum, currants, old leather, dark chocolate, graphite, and a black raspberry-iron-dried herb long finish. YUM! It's what's you want in an aged Napa cab, and glad to have just acquired 3 more bottles. — a month ago

with Brenda

Brenda, Deborah and 18 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

Another tip: I keep a bottle in the fridge to pour decanted sediment dregs into, and use it (except for the muddy bottom part) for cooking. That way my coq au vin or daube is braising in really good stuff from my cellar!

Tom Garland

x Tom C, good notes. Thanks for the tips. Cheers!

Tom Garland

x x I find the sediments can be bitter and usually try to remove them so they don't impact the wine. Hate them all over the side of the glass. Cheers!

Laurel Glen Vineyard

Sonoma Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1986

Doug Powers

9.6

Sweet dried redfruits and oak aromas, soft tannins, sweet fruit on palate as well, very fine acidity and depth, seems close to fully mature, but should last 3-5 years at least, kudos to Patrick Campbell, who made a lot of outstanding LG Cabernets back in the 1980s and 1990s, excellent Sonoma Mountain Cabernet!! — 2 days ago

with Jim

Shay, jesus and 4 others liked this

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

So bloody jealous. Have been looking for the Laurel Glen cabs from 1985-1994 for ages without success. Formative for my nascent palate in the early 90's. Can't score a bottle to save my life. F.

Tom Casagrande

Wowza

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Elivette Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

Paul K

9.4

Got more coming so popped this to check on progress. Needed three hours and closed nature let cab franc show. Much different than the 2015 cab from memory. Should continue to improve! — 16 days ago

Ray, Scott@Mister and 10 others liked this