J Greene

9.2

Deep, deep ruby and not a hint of browning on the rim even though it’s 12 years old. Oaky vanilla with blueberry pie and some spicy notes. Lots more blue/black fruit on the palate. Super well balanced and enjoyed chewing on some med/fine tannins. Got two more of these and think I’ll wait a while. Not even close to showing its age. I think the scores will continue to climb on this one. — 6 days ago

Jason Phillips

8.9

Spicy with lots of pepper with a hint of smoke. — 4 months 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. — 5 months ago

Galen Hasler

9.1

Complex rich full body live acidity petrol — 5 days ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon, honey, peach, oak and hints of almond. Great acidity and balance. — 3 months ago

Brian Hearty

9.3

2007. Big, rich, dark fruits and oak! Great on its own, but I liked the Red Cap a little better. — 4 months ago

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. — 5 months ago

Peggy Hadley

9.0

Decanted. I tasted this not knowing the year. I don’t normally care for older wines but this one was a surprise. — 2 months ago

with Jim

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2019 vintage. Tasted 30 minutes after being opened. Not decanted. Not nearly as gratuitous as the vast majority of 2019’s. Overall, lean but with a pleasant substrate/foundation of dark plum and cassis. A bit tight and would definitely benefit from a 2+hour decanter spa/lounge sesh. 07.15.25 — 3 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