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 month 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. — 3 months ago

Jon Hoke

9.5

WOW really good — 4 months ago

Steven Lee

9.5

boys nite. Very classical napa valley. nose is better than palate. blue fruit, opulent, mineral. now i know my type of wine is one with cabernet, merlot, can franc. comparable to pomerol. just get the cheaper one you can find — 5 months ago

Angelo Casagrande

9.2

Delicious as always. Had this with Steak au Poivre and it really hit. Thanks to my brother for this gem. My fav Zin winery. — 5 months ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

1/2025. A nice Washington Cab. Good flavor and nice on the palate. — 6 months ago

Christina Greever

9.5

Big jammy. Yum! — 7 months ago

Ed Thomas

10

Still young. Years to go ! — a month 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. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. Deep Ruby, purple edges, youthful aromas of black fruit, spices, floral and flinty notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with some vanilla and tobacco and herbal notes. Vivid acidity, firm tight tannins with long finish ending with a vibrant character, a bit young, should benefit from bottle aging. — 2 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 . — 5 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. — 5 months ago

Ron R

9.4

I bought this as a test, given that we normally drink the regular Outpost cab. We find no perceptible difference between the True and the regular. Stick with the regular and enjoy the value.
That’s my shepherd’s pie 👊🏾 — 6 months ago

with Anne-marie

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. — 2 months ago

Robbie Jo Gerarden

9.6

Very good! Smooth all around! — 2 months ago

Sarah Blaker

10

Juicy and delicious — 2 months ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Waaaayyy too young… — 4 months ago

Michele La

9.6

Will definitely buy this bottle again. — 5 months ago

Paul K

9.1

Between 91-92. Big, dense, peppery, and fun for a not a usually Zin guy. Has boysenberry, blueberry, soy, and funk. Pretty good balance if you don’t consider the fruit. 😉 — 5 months ago

Anne Holmes

9.6

Bday dinner — 7 months ago

with Thomas