Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon, honey, peach, oak and hints of almond. Great acidity and balance. — 4 months ago

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

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.3

Very peculiar spectrum of aromas. Freshly cutted pineapple and pear. White peach and grapefruit. Very nice and long finish.
A bit flex on the mid palate but lingering pleasant finish — 7 months ago

Carter White

9.4

Juicy dark beery fruit, healthy spice, balanced. — 9 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.3

Nose: slightly jammy blackberry fruit.

Palate: reasonably clean blackberry fruit. Some nice internal aromatics. Mineral. Some oak that should integrate.

Long and juicy finish. — 3 years ago

Brian Nickerson

9.2

Mike Smith should be knighted. — 4 years ago

PM

9.2

I think it’s delicious. Smooth, full bodied, with some character. — 5 years ago

Ruud Verhagen

9.2

much better than the L’Esprit de Chevalier Blanc from the same vintage… — 4 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of ripe red fruit, rose petals, dried red flowers and eucalyptus. Red and black cherry/raspberry and boysenberry fruit on the palate along with additional notes of chocolate, toffee, savory spices and mint. Well integrated oak on the long and slightly chewy finish. Rustic, well balanced and beautifully aged. Thanks for sharing this one, Ron B! — 5 months ago

Ashraf Attal

9.2

Yasmine’s family — 5 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep ruby color. Aromas of plum, cigar box and baking spices - strong, powerful aromas on this bad boy. Dark cherry, espresso and oaky finish. Solid!

74% Cab, 16% Petit Verdot and 10% Syrah. — 8 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

Simply one of the best domestic Syrahs, from the storied Bien Nacido vineyard. — 2 years ago

Michele Hug

9.5

Opens up super nicely, immediately pleasant on the nose. Plummy and buttery, classic example of a good Napa cab. — 4 years ago

Michelle M

9.4

Blackberry bramble, baked black cherry and plum, hints of maraschino, mint and menthol, bell pepper and geranium, cedar, tobacco, and bakers vanilla with whiffs of aged leather jacket on the nose. Blackberry, cherry, juicy raspberry, vanilla extract and weak black tea on the palate with a medium heavy body but a medium short finish. Overall a great wine for pumpkin pie brunch on Christmas morning (no it’s not too early). Merry Christmas! — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.4

1992 | Red Blend
Smith Woodhouse & CA.; Late Bottled Vintage
Oporto, Portugal
(93-95; Drink 2017-32+)

In a perfect spot for a well cared/stored for LBV; bought on release with more of its friends just coming out from hiding finally. — 4 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.1

100% Grenache from Paso … 15.9% ABV 💪🏼 — 6 months ago

Joseph Barsky

9.6

2014 Vintage. Was a bit funky on opening but opens and lost that funk with air. Massive Syrah fruit and velvet mouthfeel. Great job Russell! — 9 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

This is a layered narrative of dark fruits, a dash of black pepper, and that unmistakable hint of smoky earth. And undeniably funky. It’s not just about boldness; it’s about a refined grit, a raw elegance that speaks of rugged vineyards and uncompromising craftsmanship. — 10 months ago

Rob Brobst III

9.7

WOTN for me anyway!🤷🏽‍♂️🍷🥰🤪👍🏽🎉🎉🎊🎊 — 4 years ago

J Chechik

9.3

Besides having a great, cool label - Herman Story wines are so spectacular. This is not your standard “red blend” & the Tempranillo/Petit Verdot give a great complexity. Easily paired w/ a huge range of food. — 4 years ago