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 — 6 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

A little muted on the nose, no noticeable vanilla or spicy notes from oak, lemon curd. Lovely crystalline texture and taste on the palate, just tasting fruit grown in the sun with a creamy foundation, well crafted in an obviously difficult year. #napavalley #chardonnay — 8 months ago

Mike Hudson

9.1

Good shit. — 2 years ago

Evan Bloom

9.1

A tasty Napa Bordeaux blend, well made, slightly high toned and pushing the acidic side of the spectrum. That’s said, was quite enjoyable, but there are certainly others that are at least comparable if not better at this price point. — 6 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.4

Celebrating my parents’ anniversary. I’ve always enjoyed Amici’s Spring Mountain expression. Rich, brooding dark fruits, cool eucalyptus, and Christmas spices. Lovely tannins and overall mouthfeel. Bottle signed by proprietor Bob Shepard. — 7 years ago

with Krystal

Jacqueline Johnson

9.4

Let breathe for an hour and 20, absolutely delicious no sharp edge until about the 2 hour mark then down hill fairly quickly. Fantastic in the mean time though, had with steak, garlic ciabatta bread and sugar peas with chocolate Petit fours for dessert — 8 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2022 vintage. This blew the doors off the 2022 Spring Mtn District cab and the 2022 Rattlesnake cab. That doesn't happen often for Napa merlots. 06.11.25. — 6 months ago

Taylor Brody

10

Fantastic wine. Had it in Jackson with the daughter. 10/10 — 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. — 10 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

A blend of 77% Cab Sauv, 13% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah & 1% Cab Franc, deep Ruby with aromas of rich ripe berry fruits, cedar and earthy herb spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum, with cacao, tobacco and oaky notes. Nice balance, soft chewy tannins, long finish ending with creamy vanilla spice and cedar character. Nice value! — 5 years ago

Paul K

9.4

Awesome!!! — 6 years ago

Andrew Keenan

9.4

2012 Vintage — 8 years ago

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

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. — 6 months 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. — 6 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 . — 9 months ago

Nishith Jobanputra

9.0

Really big Pinot noir. Fantastic. — 5 years ago

Jennifer Reddy Zecher

10

Hints of vanilla, a smooth finish, — 6 years ago

David L

9.2

11’ took 2 hours to come around. Nice Cabernet. — 7 years ago

Tim Lukas

9.1

Full body for a Petite Sirah. Pallet of fruit and smooth finish. — 8 years ago